Chemistry Practicals

This week, our Year 12 Chemistry students completed their required practical as part of their A-Level course. Lead by Dr Chaudhury, the practical focused on the synthesis, purification, and analysis of an organic solid, equipping students with essential laboratory skills needed for success in Chemistry.

Students applied fundamental techniques to prepare a pure organic compound, typically aspirin, and assessed its purity using melting point determination. This hands-on experience allowed them to develop critical practical skills such as:
-Synthesis of organic compounds – Carrying out a reaction to produce aspirin.
-Purification by recrystallisation – Removing impurities for a pure final product.
-Filtration using Buchner apparatus – Speeding up separation through vacuum filtration.
-Melting point analysis – Comparing experimental values to known data to determine purity.

At OIC, we provide great learning opportunities and experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. This practical strengthens students' understanding of:

🔬 Key organic synthesis techniques used in pharmaceuticals and research.
🧪 Critical analytical methods for determining product purity.
🎓 University-level laboratory skills, preparing students for future STEM careers.

By engaging in this experiment, our students develop scientific precision, problem-solving skills, and confidence in laboratory work, reinforcing Oxford International College’s commitment to academic excellence and hands-on learning.