Understanding the Coordination Chemistry of Lanthanides Through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance at the Undergraduate Level

A series of experiments, including organic ligand synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, metal binding studies, and spectroscopic titrations, were designed for second- and third-year undergraduate students in the Department of Chemistry at Capital Normal University. Over the course of 2 weeks, all four students, each with varying GPAs, successfully completed the entire process, and all students learn to interpret NMR titration data to distinguish 2:1 vs 1:1 lanthanide binding stoichiometries. Participants were expected to have a foundational understanding of organic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and analytical chemistry. This comprehensive training reinforced students’ theoretical understanding and provided practical experience applicable to future studies in metal coordination and extraction. Moreover, through literature research and team-based learning, the students deepened their understanding of lanthanide chemistry and solution coordination behavior through NMR techniques. This experience will better equip them for advanced studies in graduate school.