Virtual Lab: Separation and Spectroscopic Characterization of Caffeine from Coffee Samples

In this laboratory, students will see how to isolate caffeine from a cup of coffee and use spectroscopy to measure the amount of caffeine present. 

Get the Lab Handout (teachers request answer key)  

 

Lab Intro - Separation and Spectroscopic Characterization of Caffeine from Coffee Samples. 

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Pre Lab

Video 2: Introduction to UV-Vis Spectra 

 

Video 3: The Difference Between Absorption Spectra and How They Really Look

 

 

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Lab Procedure

Video 4: Procedure - Preparing the Coffee Sample

 

Video 5: Procedure - Extraction of Caffeine from the Coffee Sample   

Video 6: Procedure - Preparing a Solution of Extracted Caffeine for Analysis 

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Data Analysis

Video 7: Data Analysis - UV-Visible Absorption Spectrum of Samples and Standards 

 

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This lab was created by the Ren Research group at Purdue University with funding from the National Science Foundation grant NSF CHE 1764347.