1H NMR & IR : unknown structure determination

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the determination of an unknown organic structure using 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Participants analyze spectral data to deduce the molecular structure, focusing on the interpretation of peaks and integration values. The context is educational, related to a practice exam question.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies a saturation number of 5, suggesting the presence of an aromatic ring and double bonds, and proposes the compound may be an ester.
  • Another participant notes the presence of a carbonyl stretch in the IR spectrum without a corresponding OH group, prompting questions about the 'R' group in the ester and hints from the NMR spectrum.
  • A participant suggests that a singlet at ~3.7-3.8 ppm integrating to 3H may indicate a CH3 group, leading to the hypothesis of a structure resembling methyl benzoate (C6H5-COOCH3).
  • Discussion includes the integration and splitting patterns of the aromatic protons, with a participant questioning whether the substitution pattern is mono- or di-substituted.
  • Clarification is provided regarding the mono-substituted nature of the aromatic ring, with a focus on the integration ratios of the NMR signals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interpretation of the spectral data suggesting a mono-substituted aromatic structure, but there remains uncertainty regarding the exact substitution pattern and the integration ratios of the NMR signals.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the specific substitution pattern of the aromatic ring and the methodology for integrating NMR peaks, as well as the potential for alternative interpretations of the spectral data.

dead actor
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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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