27th Annual Student Research Conference
Synthesis of Phenytoin as a New Organic Lab
Yannik E. Roell
Dr. Anne E. Moody, Faculty Mentor
Dilantin is a brand name anti-epileptic drug on the market with the generic name phenytoin. Synthesizing this substance with medical significance will encourage students to see the relevance of organic chemistry, which in previous curriculums has not always been accomplished. This lab is also environmentally friendly by using reagents that have low toxicity, which is one of the twelve principles of green chemistry. The mechanism of this phenytoin synthesis is unique and complex, including a carbon skeletal rearrangement, but it can be understood using the knowledge that has been taught in lecture. To determine if phenytoin has been synthesized, students could perform thin layer chromatography. This separation technique is not presently utilized in our organic chemistry labs, which allows the students to develop another new skill.
Keywords: organic chemistry, mechanism, thin layer chromatography, pre-med students, green chemistry
Topic(s):Chemistry
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 211-2
Location: MG 1000
Time: 9:45