Laboratory Techniques Learned So Far

I’ve learned a lot of techniques (with different levels of difficulty) during this semester, thanks to the dedication, patience and determination of my mentor Dr. Cadiz, Sindia and Aracelys.  Some of the techniques learned are:

• IR Spectroscopy: Taking small amounts of the compounds synthetized in our lab and taking the spectrums, so we can analize the compounds that are really in sample studied.  I really have to thank Sindia for her extreme patience and for being an excelent teacher. 
• NMR Spectroscopy: Using solvents like water or DMF, the compound of interest (mixed with the solvents) is analized by the use of an expensive NMR machine that works by studying the isotopes that contain uneven numbers, so a signal appears. I have to thank Aracelys for helping me understand this complicated machine.
• Raman Spectroscopy: Very similar to NMR Spectroscopy.  I have to thank Profesor Romañach for taking his time and helping us with the samples.
• Centrifuge: Separating organic and aqueous phases, and taking the part of interest
• Filtration using nylon filters: Gives you a better chance of having a clean pure compound of interest.
• Handling and synthesis of compounds of interest
• Preparing less concentrated solutions of reagents
• Weighing Accurately
• Transfering small amounts by using specialized syringes