As a model study for improving undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories with contemporary research concepts and practices, we evaluated a project module aiming at the synthesis of two porphyrin compounds. The module was implemented in a format that differed in several ways from that of a traditional course. It was designed for small student group participation in a research-oriented setting. The students were given multiple choices of literature methods for the synthesis. They were led to discuss the pros and cons and rate the practicality of the methods against the project goals and laboratory conditions. Participation in the reasoning and decision-making processes substantially enhanced the depth of learning. They were encouraged to innovate and resolve an equipment problem incidental to the chosen method by creating a steam bath reactor. They were urged to cut down on waste and study the use of hydrophobic compounds in water for sustainability. The products of the project module were designed to support ongoing research, which gave the students a strong sense of reality and responsibility. They were motivated to care for the details and quality of their work by a desire to provide quality products for their intended research. As an option instead of a full implementation of the proposed format, the project module can be modified to serve as a four-session curriculum for a traditional organic chemistry laboratories course. We expect it will add dimensions to the learning of organic chemistry through the enhanced practice of problem-solving and connecting lab activities to the modern environment.

中文翻译：

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通过与研究结合改进本科生有机化学实验室：前景与模型研究

作为利用当代研究概念和实践改进本科生有机化学实验室的模型研究，我们评估了一个旨在合成两种卟啉化合物的项目模块。该模块的实施格式在几个方面与传统课程的格式有所不同。它是专为小学生小组参与研究型环境而设计的。学生们可以选择多种文献方法进行综合。他们讨论了利弊，并根据项目目标和实验室条件评估了这些方法的实用性。参与推理和决策过程大大增强了学习的深度。鼓励他们通过创建蒸汽浴反应器进行创新并解决所选方法中附带的设备问题。他们被敦促减少浪费并研究疏水性化合物在水中的使用以实现可持续发展。项目模块的产品旨在支持正在进行的研究，这给了学生强烈的现实感和责任感。他们渴望为他们的预期研究提供优质的产品，因此他们关心工作的细节和质量。作为一种选择，而不是完全实施拟议的格式，可以修改项目模块以充当传统有机化学实验室课程的四节课程。我们期望它将通过加强解决问题的实践以及将实验室活动与现代环境联系起来，为有机化学的学习增加维度。