Organic Chemistry Laboratory

• Fermentation- is a chemical process by which molecules such as glucose (sugar) are broken down anaerobically.
• Fermentation is a type of anaerobic biochemical process
• Louis Pasteur described the change brought about by yeast and other microorganisms in the absence of air and

  • Recognized that ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide are produced during fermentation along with others such as lactic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, Vit. B, etc.
• Industrial ethyl alcohol produced from fermentation is a source of biofuel
• Benefits of eating fermented foods

  1. Improves digestion and  helps to maintain instestinal bacteria
  2. Has anti-cancer effect
  3. Improves immunity system
  4. Reduces lactose intolerance
• In 1810, Gay-Lussac discovered the general chemical equation for the breakdown of sugar into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
• Alcohols and phenols are considered as derivatives of water.
• Addition reactions across the double bond are the characteristic reactions of aldehydes and ketones.
• Tollen's Test (Silver-mirror test)

  -used to distinguish aldehydes from ketones

  -uses Tollen's reagent which is a colorless basic aqueous solution [Ag(NH3)2+][𝐴𝑔(𝑁𝐻3)2+].
• Benedict's Test

  • simple carbohydrates containing a free ketone or aldehyde functional group can be identified with this test.
  • The test is based on Benedict’s reagent (also known as Benedict’s solution)
  • Positive: Brick-red precipitate
• Saponification is defined as the hydrolysis of fats and oils by a strong base such as NaOH and KOH, forming glycerol and salts of fatty acids.
• Soaps may be defined as metallic salts of fatty acids.
• The detergent action of soaps is attributed to the presence of a polar end (water soluble) and a non-polar end which is oil soluble.
• Methanol

  • Pungent, sweet odor
  • Smells like ethanol but fainter


  Ethanol

  • Pungent, sweet odo
  • Smells like wine
• Acetic acid

  • Pungent
  • Smells like vinegar


  Salicylic Acid

  • Smells like ethanol but stronger
• Test Tube A (Methanol and Acetic Acid)

  Smell: paint/glue, nail polish remover

  IUPAC: methyl ethanoate

  Common name: acetic acid methyl ester
• Test tube B(Ethanol and Acetic Acid)

  • Smell: Nail polish remover
  • IUPAC: ethyl ethanoate
  • Common name: acetic acid ethyl ester
• Test tube C(Ethanol and Salicylic acid)

  • Smell: minty (like salonpas)
  • IUPAC: ethyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
  • Common name: ethyl salicylate
• Fischer esterification - an organic reaction which is employed to convert carboxylic acids in the presence of excess alcohol and a strong acid catalyst to give an ester as the final product.
• Alkaloids are basic nitrogenated compounds isolated from the bark, roots, leaves, and fruits of plants.
• Heterocyclic compounds containing a nitrogen atom other than carbon atom as part of the ring structure are the alkaloids.
• Alkaloids have been found to exhibit dramatic physiological effects, making them valuable in the field of medicine.
• Dragendorff test

  • Presumptive test for Alkaloids
  • Bismuth nitrate in acetic acid and sodium nitrate
  • Positive: reddish-brown deposit
• Mayer's Test

  • A presumptive test for cocaine, morphine, heroin and other Alkaloids
  • Mayer's reagent is composed of potassium mercury iodide in water
  • Positive: cream precipitate
• Phytochemical is a natural bioactive found in plants/foods that works with nutrient and dietary fiber to protect against diseases
• Phyto

  • A Greek word that means plant and usually related to plant pigments
• Carotenoids -are the pigments responsible for the colors of many red, green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.
• Cruciferous veggies - are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes.

  -rich in mineral and vitamins such as fotale and Vitamin K

  -dark green cruciferous veggies are a source of Vitamin C and A and contains phytonutrients
• phytonutrients — plant-based compounds that may help to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
• 4 sources of phytochemical

  • Beta-carotene
  • Lutein
  • Lycopene
  • Zeaxanthin
• Beta-carotene

  -may help to slow the aging process -improve lung function -reduce complications associated with diabetes. -found in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, cantaloupe, apricots, papaya, kiwi, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and winter squash, and green vegetables
• Lutein - essential for maintaining proper vision - reduce the risk of cataracts and mascular degeneration

  - found in kale, spinach and collard greens; kiwi, broccoli, collard greens, brussels sprouts, swiss chard, and romaine lettuce
• Lycopene - shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease - found in red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and cooked tomato products, red peppers, pink grapefruit, watermelon.
• Zeaxanthin - may help to prevent macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of visual impairment - found in corn, spinach, winter squash and egg yolks
• Flavonoids - another large family of protective phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. - Also called “bioflavonoids”, acts as antioxidant - Antioxidants - neutralize or inactivate highly unstable and extremely reactive molecules, called free radicals that attack the cells of body. Free radical damage is believed to contribute to a variety of health problems, including cancer, heart disease and aging. - found in a variety of foods, such as oranges, kiwifruit, grapefruit, tangerines, berries, apples, red grapes, red wine, broccoli, onions, and green tea.
• Five Primary Flavonoids found in Fruits and Vegetables

  • Resveratrol
  • Anothocyanins
  • Quercetin
  • Hesperidin
  • Tangeritin
• Resveratrol


  May reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, blood clots and stroke
• Resveratrol


  • Found in red grapes, red grape juice, and red wine
• Anthocyanins


  Shown to protect against the signs of aging
• Anthocyanins


  • Found in blueberries and cranberries
  • Help prevent UTI