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Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot a reaction or experiment. How did you identify and resolve the issue?

Synthetic Chemist Interview Questions
Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot a reaction or experiment. How did you identify and resolve the issue?

Sample answer to the question

In a recent project, I was troubleshooting a reaction that was not going as expected. I first identified the issue by closely examining the reaction conditions and the starting materials. I realized that there was an impurity present in one of the starting materials that was affecting the reaction. To resolve the issue, I decided to purify the starting material using column chromatography. After purifying the starting material, I repeated the reaction and achieved the desired product. This experience taught me the importance of careful analysis and troubleshooting in synthetic chemistry.

A more solid answer

In a recent project, I was working on synthesizing a complex organic molecule. During the reaction, I noticed that the yield was lower than expected, indicating that there was an issue. To identify the problem, I first analyzed the reaction conditions, such as temperature and time. I also examined the starting materials and checked for impurities. Through careful analysis, I discovered that one of the reagents had degraded, leading to the lower yield. To resolve the issue, I decided to optimize the reaction conditions by adjusting the temperature and using a different solvent. Additionally, I collaborated with a colleague who suggested adding a catalyst to improve the reaction efficiency. With these changes, I was able to achieve a higher yield and successfully synthesize the desired molecule. This experience highlighted the importance of analytical skills, problem-solving, and collaboration in troubleshooting reactions.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the reaction, the troubleshooting process, and the collaboration involved. It demonstrates the candidate's analytical skills by analyzing the reaction conditions and starting materials. It also showcases their problem-solving abilities by optimizing the reaction conditions and resolving the issue with the help of a colleague. However, the answer could be further improved by providing more information about the specific techniques and methods used in the troubleshooting process.

An exceptional answer

During my time as a Synthetic Chemist, I encountered a challenging situation where I had to troubleshoot a reaction for the synthesis of a novel compound. The reaction involved a multistep process, and at one particular step, I noticed a significant decrease in yield. To identify and resolve the issue, I took a systematic approach. First, I analyzed the reaction conditions, including temperature, solvents, and catalysts. I also performed various analytical techniques such as NMR, MS, and HPLC to identify any impurities or by-products. Through this analysis, I discovered that the reaction was proceeding through an undesired side pathway, leading to the lower yield. To rectify this, I decided to modify the reaction conditions by adjusting the temperature and introducing a different catalyst. Additionally, I collaborated with a senior chemist who provided valuable insights and suggested using a different protecting group strategy. With these modifications, I successfully achieved a higher yield and obtained the desired compound. This experience showcased my strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration with experienced colleagues.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the situation, demonstrating the candidate's in-depth knowledge and expertise in synthetic chemistry. The candidate showcases their strong analytical skills by analyzing reaction conditions and performing various analytical techniques. The answer also highlights their problem-solving abilities by modifying the reaction conditions and collaborating with a senior chemist to brainstorm alternative strategies. Overall, the answer provides a clear and thorough explanation of the troubleshooting process. To further enhance the answer, the candidate could provide specific examples of the analytical techniques used and elaborate on the collaboration with the senior chemist.

How to prepare for this question

  • Review your past experiences with troubleshooting reactions or experiments. Reflect on the challenges you faced, the steps you took to identify and resolve the issues, and the outcomes you achieved.
  • Familiarize yourself with different analytical techniques commonly used in synthetic chemistry such as NMR, MS, HPLC, and GC. Understand how these techniques can be employed to analyze reaction progress and identify possible issues.
  • Stay updated with the latest developments in synthetic chemistry and related fields. This will help you stay informed about new techniques and strategies that can be utilized in troubleshooting reactions.
  • Practice articulating your troubleshooting process in a clear and concise manner. During the interview, be prepared to provide specific examples and explain the reasoning behind your decisions and actions.
  • Highlight any collaborative experiences you have had in your previous roles. Emphasize your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues to resolve issues and achieve shared goals.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • analytical skills
  • problem-solving
  • collaboration

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