Ok, I think previously I mentioned that the exam results of this semester will determine my survival in the MSc. Well, the exam was just over and I do feel good about it... have to say its the semester I had so far.
But as for the results... I don't know. I really have no idea. I feel kinda 50/50 about it. So I'm not really worried at the moment, just had to wait for the end of the month to see whether I make the mark.
For the exam, I took two full weeks of leave from work. So just got back to work last Friday. One of the scientist remarked that I should take a few more days off just to relax, I replied "that's not like me". It's only partly true, cos the other parts are 1) I am running low on leave (need to save it for next sem's exam); 2) I am away for so long, if I don't get back asap, I might lose touch with my lab skill, lose touch with the lab in general, and might even lose my lab partner (those who knows, knows what I mean).
Anyway, when I left for exam, the team just started on a new project. Not much progress since then, still making the starting material (SM), so I am able to have a slow start upon my return, doing scale-up of the SM. Step 1 proceeded smoothly, step 2 I got stuck: it involves anhydrous condition at -78 degrees, a condition I never seem to master. So at the end of reaction, TLC indicated a big chunk of starting material not reacted, and a bit of product. Nevermind, worked it up and purified it. Got quite a sizable amount of the product, and it's a clear oil (always a good sign). Ran the LCMS and compared it to my partner's data: it doesn't match. Now I am a bit worried. Will run a NMR tomorrow and see what is this stuff I have. And I better be able to identify it.....
It's only Wednesday and already next Monday's meeting is not looking good.
Labels: Mindless rambling, Recordings of the mundane life
