The notebook is also essential if a patent is to be applied for. Your lab notebook should be a clear record of how you performed your synthesis and of what happened. All difficulties you experienced, all modifications you made, and all suggestions for improvement you might make should be detailed. The notebook should be kept as work progresses, and not written up later. This type of notebook is slightly more expensive but allows for the removal of the duplicate copy to serve as the report for the experiment, while you still have the notebook in your possession.
Photocopies are also acceptable.
The notebook should be clearly labeled on the outside. The first few pages should be reserved for an index. Each entry should include the date at which it is entered into the notebook. Also include the time so that significant observations can be related to how long a reaction has been proceeding. Any references to the literature which have been utilized.