Melting Point Guided Activity

Abstract

Organic chemistry lab students frequently use melting point as a characterization tool. In this activity, students re-examine what occurs on a molecular level when substances melt and consider what happens on a molecular level when impure substance melt. Using a series of crystal packing diagrams, students look specifcially at images with or without the presence of hydrogen bonds and use this to consider relative temperatures required to melt a substance.

Level: Undergraduate

Environment: Classroom

Activity Type: Learning Cycle

Discipline: Chemistry

Course: Organic Chemistry

Keywords: melting point, crystal structure, intermolecular forces, partial charge, mixed melting point