Problem-Solving with Python: Modeling of Lanthanide-Shift Reagent Complexes

• Published in: Journal of chemical education Vol. 100; no. 9; pp. 3620 - 3625
• Main Authors: Zlatković, Dragan, Đorđević Zlatković, Miljana, Radulović, Niko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Easton American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc 12.09.2023; American Chemical Society
• Subjects: Algorithms; Basic Skills; Chemistry; College students; Decision making; Experimental data; Fundamental Concepts; Menthol; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Problem solving; Programming; Reagents; Search algorithms; Students; Substrates; Syntax; Teaching methods; Titration; Computer-Based Learning; Problem Solving; Graduate Education; Organic Chemistry; Computational Chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00613

Herein, we present a program implemented in Python that utilizes a simple complete-search algorithm to determine the geometry of a lanthanide–substrate (LS) complex. The program serves as a practical project in a programming course for chemistry students, specifically aimed at illustrating fundamental concepts such as decision-making, repetition, functions, lists, and file reading. The project challenges students to determine the position of a lanthanide ion in an LS complex by utilizing NMR titration experimental data obtained from the interaction between menthol and Eu­(fod)3. Through the development of an algorithm and the creation of a Python program, students are tasked with calculating the optimal Eu position that correlates best with the experimental data. The primary objective of this project is to enhance students’ understanding of Python’s basic concepts, syntax, and problem-solving skills, fostering their growth in the field of chemistry programming.