The omission of the concentration of water in the atmosphere and the variation in it is discussed. The water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane are the important dominant greenhouse gases.

The first introduction to molecular geometry should be through the simple and easily understood VSEPR model, as the Valence Bond Theory and MO Theory suffer from limitations as far as understanding molecular geometry is concerned. The VSEPR model gives a perfectly satisfactory description of the bonding that follows directly from the Lewis model…

An overview of the Council on Undergraduate Research's (CUR) programs and upcoming events that focus on faculty development to foster research at predominantly undergraduate institutions is provided. A CUR membership can help faculty members undertake and direct their own research with undergraduates.

The microscale preparation, characterization, and reactivity of a square planar Co(III) complex that has grown out of a program to introduce experiments of relevance to green chemistry into the undergraduate curriculum is presented. The given experiments illustrate the remarkable redox and aqueous acid-base stability that make the macrocycles very…

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is both the basis of a trillion dollar worldwide industry and a presence in the diet of a majority of the inhabitants of the world. Some parts of the "story" of MSG that might be of most interest to chemists, chemistry teachers and their students are presented.

A survey of 1988-1992 doctoral graduates from 11 highly ranked chemistry departments found no statistical difference in the percentages of men and women who pursued tenure-track positions at Ph.D.-granting institutions. The goal of the survey was to determine whether the top National Research Council (NRC)-rated institutions were also the top…

Inductors are substances that undergo a reaction and in so doing markedly accelerate or induce a simultaneous reaction. An experiment showing a reaction involving the oxidation of iodide to iodine by chromium (VI) found to be slow in the absence of acid, but which proceeded rapidly when iron (II) was induced is demonstrated.

Classical phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a lack activity in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to elevated concentrations of phenylalanine in the blood. A simple demonstration and three advanced demonstrations of a spot test for phenylpyruvic acid and its relationship to phenylketonuria are given.

A method designed to facilitate prediction of mechanism and products by developing critical thinking skills and reducing memorization is presented. The mechanistic disc method requiring students to utilize their understanding of charge stabilization, structural organic chemistry, and the fundamental mechanisms of aliphatic substitution and…

Chemical thermodynamics that is often considered abstract and demanding could be made more accessible by taking a contextualized approach. The trial of a course designed for chemistry majors dealing with gas laws and the first law of thermodynamics in the existing course are illustrated.

A classroom exercise that engages students as a team to develop an intuitive understanding of P-V-T phase behavior of a pure fluid is discussed. This exercise, when implemented in classrooms over a period of three years revealed that the students achieved a deeper level of understanding about phase behavior.

The measurement of the infrared rotation-vibration spectrum of HCl(g) is a common experiment in the physical chemistry laboratory, which allows students the opportunity to explore quantization of rotational states in diatomic molecules. It is found that the CO2 vibration-rotation spectrum if used as an addition to the HCl experiment would give the…

An upper-level undergraduate experiment that, in addition to introducing students to catalysis using an air sensitive transition-metal complex, introduces the use of a solid acid as an activator and support for the catalyst is developed. The increased stability acquired in the course of the process affords the opportunity to characterize the…

A simple and fast method, which resolves chlorophyll a and b from spinach leaves on analytical plates while minimizing the appearance of chlorophyll degradation products is shown. An improved mobile phase for the Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of spinach extract that allows for the complete resolution of the common plant pigments found in…

A two-step oxidation-reduction sequence that incorporates several important aspects of synthesis into introductory organic chemistry laboratories is described. This experiment is an excellent vehicle for introducing elements of discovery and intermediate yield improvement strategies.