Simulation of Qua1 Organic-An
Interactive Computer Program
Following the suggestion of Venier and Reinecke [ J Chem. Educ., 49, 541 (1972)l we have developed a Fortran IV interactive program which simulates the traditional qualitative organic analysis laboratory. The program is geared far use with the traditional text, R. L. Shrine?, R. C. Fuson, and D. Y. Curtin, "The Systematic Identification of Organic Compounds," (5th Ed., John & Sons, Inc., New Yark, 1964) and/or with R. M. Roberts, J. C. Gilbert, L. B. Rodewald and A. S. Wingrove, "An Introduction to Modern Experimental Organic Chemistry," (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., New York 1969). With slight modifications it could be used withany other similartext, or even without a teat. The operation of the program is quite similar to that described by Venier and Reinecke. By typing into the computer any number of his choice, the student selects one of 33 unknowns, e.g., numbers 1, 34, 67, etc., yield the first unknown. The student then selects a n appropriate test and directs the computer to give him the results of that test for his chosen unknown. Based on that result he selects additional tests, in turn, until he feels he has identified the unknown. He can then verify its identity by typing in
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an appropriate simple code word for the unknown. We have found that use of this program has greatly increased student interest and familiarity with the qual-organic scheme and his ability to solve unknowns in a logical efficient manner. The design of the program is such that any number of compounds can be added without major alterations. Only positive or significant tests need be entered for each compound thereby eliminating the necessity for entering all negative tests and significantly decreasing the sizeof the data files for each unknown. Upon request (to JJU) we are prepared to provide a copy of the basic program together with the other necessary information needed to get it running. We wish to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. David Walsch and Mr. John McCarthy in preparing data sets for this program and Mrs. Lynn Goodhue and Mrs.Carmen Pacheeo for programming suggestions. University of New Hampshire Durham, 03824
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J. John Uebel A. Heavener
