1H NMR & IR : unknown structure determination

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the structure of a compound with the molecular formula C8H8O2 using 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The user identifies a saturation number of 5, indicating the presence of an aromatic ring and double bonds, and hypothesizes that the compound is an ester. Through analysis, it is concluded that the structure is methyl benzoate (C6H5-COOCH3), characterized by a mono-substituted aromatic ring with specific integration patterns in the NMR spectrum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 1H NMR spectroscopy and peak integration
  • Familiarity with IR spectroscopy and functional group identification
  • Knowledge of aromatic compounds and substitution patterns
  • Experience with molecular formula interpretation and saturation calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of 1H NMR peak integration and splitting patterns
  • Learn about functional group identification using IR spectroscopy
  • Research the characteristics of mono-substituted aromatic compounds
  • Explore the synthesis and reactions of esters, particularly methyl benzoate
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and anyone involved in structural determination using NMR and IR spectroscopy will benefit from this discussion.

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Hi all,

I was struggling in solving this question which is a part of a practice exam, and I need you to be patient with me and teach me step by step how to figure out the structure and how to read and analyze the spectra.

I attached the two 1H NMR & IR spectra so you will be able to know what structure I'm talking about.

I started with finding the saturation number which is 5 so I know that at least I have aromatic ring and double bond(s)
I predicted the compound to have an ester but I'm not sur.

please help me to know what is this structure.
The molecular formula is C8H8O2

and all the peaks and ppm readings are in the attached figures.

http://img257.imageshack...mg257/3670/scan0004t.jpg

http://img405.imageshack...g405/4821/scan0003aa.jpg

http://img213.imageshack...mg213/8636/scan0005j.jpg


thanks all.
 

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Last edited by a moderator:
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dead actor said:
Hi all,

I was struggling in solving this question which is a part of a practice exam, and I need you to be patient with me and teach me step by step how to figure out the structure and how to read and analyze the spectra.

I attached the two 1H NMR & IR spectra so you will be able to know what structure I'm talking about.

I started with finding the saturation number which is 5 so I know that at least I have aromatic ring and double bond(s)
I predicted the compound to have an ester but I'm not sur.

Right. You note that there is the carbonyl stretch in the IR but no corresponding OH group in either the NMR or the IR spectrum.

What might the 'R' group be in that ester? Any hint from the NMR spectrum? What group gives a singlet at ~3.7-3.8ppm that integrates to 3H? (your spectrum is integrated to peak height... it should be by integrated by area in the future)
All of the aromatic protons are accounted for. What type of substitution do the integration and splitting patterns indicate? Mono-substitution? Di-substitution?
 
chemisttree said:
Right. You note that there is the carbonyl stretch in the IR but no corresponding OH group in either the NMR or the IR spectrum.

What might the 'R' group be in that ester? Any hint from the NMR spectrum? What group gives a singlet at ~3.7-3.8ppm that integrates to 3H? (your spectrum is integrated to peak height... it should be by integrated by area in the future)
All of the aromatic protons are accounted for. What type of substitution do the integration and splitting patterns indicate? Mono-substitution? Di-substitution?
I have three signals in the aromatic region that accounts for 5 hydrogens. There is only one more signal of three hydrogens. It must be a CH3 group. so this gives me
C6H5 + CO2 + CH3?
so I'm only thinking of C6H5-COOCH3 which is a methyle benzoate
http://images.absoluteastronomy.com/images/encyclopediaimages/m/me/methyl_benzoate.png

right?

I don't know what type of subsitiution I have, may be a di ?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Right. It is a mono-substituted aromatic ring. There are three types of protons in that ring, 2 ortho, 2 meta and and a single para (think of the symmetry). The three signals in the NMR should integrate 2:2:1 (edit: or was that 2:1:2?) by area (not peak ht as they are split like crazy).
 
Last edited:
chemisttree said:
Right. It is a mono-substituted aromatic ring. There are three types of protons in that ring, 2 ortho, 2 meta and and a single para (think of the symmetry). The three signals in the NMR should integrate 2:2:1 (edit: or was that 2:1:2?) by area (not peak ht as they are split like crazy).

I was actually little bit confused about this but you cleared my confussion by letting this know to me as, I will search about this little more for my further knowledge.

Thanks!
 

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