How to teach structure determination post-16

A scientist in a lab working on a computer and NMR machine

Source: © Kosamtu/Getty Images

Students find this process puzzling. Help them solve it with these ideas and tips

In their post-16 chemistry studies, learners need to be able to determine a compound’s structure based on analytical data, including mass spectra. This article highlights some of the misconceptions learners may have and the more common mistakes they may make. It also illustrates what they need to know and suggests classroom strategies to help you teach and assess structure determination.

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