Things We Wish Our Students Knew

Scientific notation correct exponential representation, not calculator representation Significant figures correct use Moles to grams/grams to moles how to convert back and forth % yield, theoretical yield, actual yield you should be able to calculate these given all you need Separations how you decide which layer is on top, how to decide which layer to keep, why the organic layer is cloudy, how to dry the organic layer, how you know when it is dry Functional groups knowing the structures and functional groups of the molecules you are using. You should know the functional groups of the organic molecules that you have used so far this semester Stoichiometry and balancing equations you should know how to do this Reagent Tables you should know what chemicals to include and what data belongs in a table Chemical safety and disposal proper disposal methods for aqueous, organic and solid waste, proper transfer and storage of chemicals Units carrying them and converting between them