Detective work is never more exciting than when it’s combined with organic chemistry! In this simulation, you will take part in the escape room-style learning activities to uncover the identity of an unknown organic compound. Practice your skills in spectral analysis by picking out the key information given from each technique to put the pieces of the puzzle together and unmask the identity of the unknown organic compound.

Interpreting Spectra

Gain some practice interpreting four different types of spectra: Mass Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, Proton NMR and Carbon NMR. Partake in four different fun lab rooms dedicated to each technique, where you can focus on analyzing one spectrum at a time and gather pieces of the puzzle. Learn how you can confirm your findings from one spectrum to another. 

Unmask the unknown compound

Learn how you can uncover the structural identity of an organic compound only by the four spectra and the chemical formula of the unknown. Eliminate the structures from the list provided in the beginning of the simulation as you find key structural information, whether it is functional groups from Infrared spectroscopy, fragment and molecular ions from Mass Spectroscopy or group connectivity from both Proton and Carbon NMR spectra.

Piece together information from each spectra

Complete each spectral analysis and confirm your findings with a fun conclusion room where you review your analyses of each spectra and see how exactly you pieced together the puzzle. Enjoy bonus mini-games as you solve escape room-style puzzles that unlock the doors to the next spectroscopic technique for analysis.