SOLVING SPECTROSCOPY PROBLEMS

The spectroscopy problems can test some or all of the following:

1. Your ability to interpret MS, IR, 13C and H NMR spectra to deduce information about the molecule.
2. Your ability to apply that information and

The most common reasons for students to struggle with these questions are:

• Do not know basic spectroscopy well enough
• Can't quickly draw structures that satisfy the rules of valence
• Can't quickly derive or draw isomeric structures
  
• Poor problem solving skills (e.g. logic)
• Not making sure that the structure derived is consistent with the spectra provided
• Lack of attention to detail
• The most significant issue is poor skills with the interpretation of H NMR especially coupling patterns.

Is there a good way to try to solve such a question ?   YES

The FRAGMENT APPROACH

Here is a worked example.