Year 13 chemistry trip

As part of their A-level Chemistry course, some of our Year 13 Chemists have completed a Required Practical Assessment (RPA) today at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Led by Prof. Caprio and Prof. Ruiz, the students have been very busy making their own samples of aspirin.

It was a great opportunity for our students to follow the life cycle of a synthetic compound; from initial synthesis, to purification using recrystallisation.

And, finally, analysing their sample using Infra-Red spectroscopy to determine if their synthesis was a success.

It can be disconcerting when you're faced with unfamiliar labware, in an unfamiliar environment, trying to complete an advanced multi-stage synthesis.

But our students met this challenge head-on and made some beautifully pure crystals.

Well done to all involved today, and good luck to those involved in the second session next week!