What type of data should be collected

It should be clear from the section above that you need to collect a range of data on each compound you prepare which will establish its purity, allow you to determine its structure, and act to identify it 

No matter how simple or lengthy the task of structure determination, you need to collect a full range of spectral data, and some evidence of purity in order to convince the chemical community that you have characterized a new compound. The range of data required for any compound you synthesize will depend on several factors, but most important of these are  

Once you have decided that you need to characterize a compound, you should decide what data is required, bearing in mind where the work is to be reported. If there is the possibility of a patent application then combustion analysis is almost essential, together with a reasonable range of spectroscopic evidence to establish the structure beyond reasonable doubt. If you aim to pubhsh work in the chemical literature and/or thesis form, you should agree with your supervisor on the standard which is to be adopted. Each journal has its own specific requirements not only for the type of data required, but also for the format in which it is to be presented. These specifications are usually published in the first issue of the year. Once you have decided which specification to comply with, make sure that you collect an adequate range of data for all your compounds as you prepare them. It will also save you and/or your supervisor many hours of work if you compile data in the format you have chosen/rom the outset of your work. 

For most purposes the data specified below will normally be required for characterization purposes. 

For solids the melting point should be specified, together with the solvent from which the compound was crystallized. If there is a distinctive crystal form and/or colour it is also worth specifying this also. For liquids the boiling range should be specified and the pressure. 

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