In this presentation we will present our studies of fundamental organic reactions and separations by in situ IR spectroscopy.  This type of analysis allows deeper insight into spectroscopy, reaction analysis, kinetics and dynamics of these fundamental processes.  There is potential benefit for research as well as education.  So far, we have investigated standard sophomore organic experiments such as acetylation of aniline and the Williamson ether reactions.  We have also developed a flash chromatography procedure monitored by ReactIR which wonderfully illustrates the dynamics of a flash chromatography separation.