Describes an interdisciplinary program designed to give junior-level chemistry, biology and physics majors general knowledge of the theory/application of instrumental methods, practical experience in instrument operation/data interpretation and use of instruments to make measurements to solve problems. This course contains a common…

Compares safety in the chemical industry to academic chemistry laboratories based on the incidence rate for minor industrial injuries compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the author's estimate of academic rates. Provides a list of over 50 errors and omissions commonly found in chemical laboratories. (JM)

Provides directions for setup and performance of two demonstrations. The first demonstrates the principles of Raoult's Law; using a simple apparatus designed to measure vapor pressure. The second illustrates the energy available from alcohol combustion (includes safety precautions) using an alcohol-fueled missile. (JM)

Describes a procedure for the qualitative analysis of aluminum subgroup cations designed to avoid failure to obtain lead or barium chromate precipitates or failure to report aluminum hydroxide when present (due to staining). Provides a flow chart and step-by-step explanation for the new procedure, indicating significantly improved student results.…

Describes an experiment on the simultaneous determination of chromium and magnesium by spectophotometry modified to include the Generalized Standard Addition Method computer program, a multivariate calibration method that provides optimal multicomponent analysis in the presence of interference and matrix effects. Provides instructions for…

Describes an experiment designed to acquaint students with the theory and applications of anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) as well as such ASV problems as contamination associated with trace analysis. The experimental procedure, instrumentation, and materials discussed are designed to minimize cost and keep procedures as simple as possible. (JM)

Presents an experiment in thermometric titration used in an analytic chemistry-chemical instrumentation course, consisting of two titrations, one a mixture of calcium and magnesium, the other of calcium, magnesium, and barium ions. Provides equipment and solutions list/specifications, graphs, and discussion of results. (JM)

Describes a comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment designed to introduce undergraduate organic chemistry students to measurement/interpretation of NMR parameters. Students investigate chemical shift analysis, spin-spin coupling, peak integrations, effect of deuterium oxide extraction, and comparisons with literature spectra;…

Describes a series of experiments (intended to approximate the research experience) investigating the reaction of ferrocenylmethylation with aniline. Students carry out reactions in nitrogen atmosphere, identify products by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and propose mechanisms and structures for reactions. Gives procedures for each…

Describes an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment designed to illustrate the power of nuclear magnetic reasonance spectroscopy in a determination of the configurations at centers of chirality of various isomers of acyclic systems. Provides a background discussion and experimental procedure. (JM)

Proposes a simple experiment based on the procedure of Guggenheim and Smith for the determinatin of the dipole moments of two isomeric compounds in nonpolar solvents. Provides background information, laboratory procedures, sample data, results of least squares analysis and discussion of results. (JM)

Suggests that cyclohexane be used as a solvent in experiments usually using benzene, which has been placed on the list of chemicals that are confirmed carcinogens. Reasons for selection of cyclohexane and experimental procedures using this solvent are described. (CS)

Includes information on: (1) relationship of art and science; (2) paintings' early history; (3) Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Byzantine, and Medieval painting; (4) chemical analysis of pigments; (5) chemistry of early pigments; and (6) paint media. Tabular data are provided on chemical names for artists' pigments with their earliest known dates. (CS)

Focuses on the chemistry of fibers commonly used by artists. Presents information regarding the reactions of these fibers to dyes, bleaches, solvents, and other selected agents of design. Tables provide a classification of natural and manufactured fibers, characteristics, chemical formulas and reactions of selected fibers, and characteristics of…

Provides a brief history of natural dyes. Chemical formulas are provided for flavonoids, luteolin, genistein, brazilin, tannins, terpenes, naphthoquinone, anthraquinone, and dyes with an alkaloid structure. Also discusses chemical background of different dye processes. (CS)