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Organic Chemistry Practical: Viva Questions

In an organic chemistry practical exam, viva questions may cover various aspects of the experiments, including the following:

Safety and Setup
- What are the hazards associated with the chemicals and apparatus used in this experiment?
- How would you prepare and handle the reagents, solvents, and samples?
- What is the purpose of each piece of equipment and how does it work?
- What are the expected yields and characteristics of the products?

Techniques and Procedures
- What are the steps involved in the synthesis, purification, and analysis of the organic compounds?
- How would you carry out a recrystallization, distillation, extraction, or chromatography procedure?
- How would you test for the presence or absence of certain functional groups or impurities?
- What are the advantages and limitations of different techniques and methods?

Theory and Mechanisms
- What is the reaction mechanism for the given reaction and how does it relate to the structure and properties of the starting materials and products?
- How does the structure of an organic compound affect its physical and chemical properties?
- What are the key concepts and principles of organic chemistry that apply to this experiment?
- How would you explain the observed results and deviations from the expected outcomes?

Applications and Extensions
- What are the potential uses and applications of the synthesized compounds or the techniques used in this experiment?
- How would you modify the experimental conditions or the starting materials to obtain different products or to optimize the yields or selectivities?
- What are the limitations and challenges of organic chemistry in terms of sustainability, economy, and safety?
- What are the recent advances and trends in organic chemistry research and how do they relate to this experiment?

Tips for Answering Viva Questions
- Listen carefully and ask for clarification if needed.
- Organize your thoughts and use clear and concise language.
- Show your understanding of the concepts and theories involved.
- Demonstrate your practical skills and knowledge by referring to the specific apparatus and procedures used in the experiment.
- Be honest and humble about your mistakes or uncertainties.
- Use relevant examples and analogies to illustrate your points.
- Stay calm and confident, and don't be afraid to admit if you don't know the answer.