Background information and experimental procedures are provided for an experiment in which three samples of saccharin (a nickel plating solution, a dilute cola drink, and a more concentrated cola drink) are analyzed and the data interpreted using five methods. Precision and accuracy are evaluated and the best method is selected. (JN)

Describes the design and evaluation of a Spectronic 20-based detector as well as a simple system for postcolumn derivatization useful for metal-ion chromatographic detection. Both detection and derivatization can be performed in the ultra-violet (UV) mode using a low-cost UV-visible spectrophotometer and UV-region derivatization reagents. (JN)

Describes a method by which teachers can either produce their own silver of "technical" quality or recycle silver chloride residues to recover the silver for similar reuse. Procedures used are outlined and economics of the method are discussed. (JN)

Background information and procedures are provided for an experiment (suitable for both advanced high school and undergraduate students) which: (1) illustrates the concept of a catalytic oxidation cycle; and (2) demonstrates the technique of using a gaseous reagent. Other uses of the experiment are noted. (JN)

Background information, procedures used, and equipment needed are provided for an experiment in which a series of readily available, inexpensive, and relatively nontoxic phenols are separated using thin-layer chromatographic techniques. The experiment permits a discussion of how relative Rf values may be rationalized by considering a molecule's…

Discusses theory, procedures, and results for an experiment which demonstrates the application of basic physics to chemical problems. The experiment involves the adiabatic process, in which polymerization carried out in a vacuum flask is compared to the theoretical prediction of the model with the temperature-time curve obtained in practice. (JN)

Describes an experiment (taking approximately five hours) which illustrates the binding of a small molecule to a protein. By using an appropriate fluorescent ligand and a given protein, the fluorescent probe technique is applied to measure the number of bonding sites, and number of site classes, and their association constants. (JN)

Two experiments in which an enzyme is immobilized onto a polymeric support are described. The experiments (which also demonstrate two different polymer preparations) involve: (1) entrapping an enzyme in an acrylamide polymer; and (2) reacting the amino groups on the enzyme's (esterase) lysine residues with an activated polymer. (JN)

Covers use of cryogenic fluids, discussing physical properties, hazards to personnel, flammability, storage, transfer, and disposal. (JM)

Presents a laboratory experiment which determines critical temperature and density of carbon dioxide. Discusses critical point and provides equations to estimate liquid volume fraction. Analyzes experimental results in terms of variables. (JM)

Presents the results of a review of chemistry textbooks aimed at finding values for the equilibrium acidity constant for water and the hydronium ion. Only three of 23 give correct quantitative values for water and none for hydronium. Provides calculations of the constant for both water and the hydronium ion. (JM)

Presents the exploded structure method for determination of oxidation states in covalently bound atoms. The three step method is illustrated with four examples and compared to popular textbook presentations. (JM)

Discusses the properties of laser light, reviews types of lasers, presents operating principles, and considers mechanical aspects of laser light production. Applications reviewed include spectroscopy, photochemical reaction initiation, and investigation of biological processes involving porphyrins. (JM)

Describes a laboratory experiment which explores the effects of adding inert salts to electrolytic cells and demonstrates the difference between concentration and chemical activity. Examines chemical potentials as the driving force of reactions. Provides five examples of cell potential and concentration change. (JM)

Describes a program of demonstration experiments used to stimulate interest in chemistry, specifically aimed at increasing university chemistry enrollments. Discusses program goals, experiments, design criteria, and several caveats related to the development of such a program. (JM)