Discusses principles of a particular approach in teaching elementary kinetics of polymerization. Although the treatment discussed is more difficult for students to grasp, problems may be reduced using a computer program. The program, written in Applesoft Basic, is available from the author together with sample output. (JN)

In N-solution problems, students identify N solutions using only the materials themselves as reagents. Students who solved N-solution problems as a practical examination were asked to solve hypothetical N-solution problems on a paper/pencil test. Results indicate that students can solve these problems and still have gaps in knowledge of…

Offers a critique of the conventional approach to teaching of equilibrium in chemically reacting systems and outlines a more satisfactory approach. This approach is based not in kinetics but in the basic principles of thermodynamics. The approach is especially useful for the advanced student. (Author/JN)

Most students do not know how to determine the equilibrium constant and estimate the error in it from spectrophotometric data that contain experimental errors. This "dry-lab" experiment describes a method that may be used to determine the "best-fit" value of the 1:1 equilibrium constant to spectrophotometric data. (Author/JN)

Lists 37 chemicals classified as suspected carcinogens and suspected teratogens (chemicals capable of producing malformations in an embryo). Offers suggestions to high school chemistry teachers for conducting safe laboratory investigations by avoiding use of these potentially toxic materials. (Author/JN)

Three chemistry demonstrations are described: (1) modification of copper catalysis demonstration apparatus; (2) experiments in gas-liquid chromatography with simple gas chromatography at room temperature; and (3) equilibria in silver arsenate-arsenic acid and silver phosphate-phosphoric acid systems. Procedures and materials needed are provided.…

Since the keeping of good records is essential in the chemistry laboratory, general guidelines for maintaining a laboratory notebook are provided. Includes rationale for having entries documented or witnessed. (Author/JN)

This experiment presents one direct titration for water soluble base and an indirect titration after dissolving a sample (oak ashes) in a known excess of acid. A titer method of calculation is given to allow use by students without knowledge of molarity-volume-mole calculations. (Author/JN)

Describes an 8-week project involving the synthesis of cobalt compounds. Once synthesized, compounds are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Background information, laboratory procedures, and results/discussion are provided for three project experiments. (Author/JN)

Preparation of cis and trans isomers of the kinetically labile bis glycinato copper (II) has a number of advantages including its facility, economy, ready theoretical interpretation, and biological relevance. Background information, laboratory procedures, results/discussion are provided for this experiment which can be completed in a single,…

Background information, laboratory procedures, and discussion of results are provided for syntheses of cobalt (III) complexes, I-III, illustrating three possible bonding modes of glycine to a metal ion (the complex cations II and III being linkage/geometric isomers). Includes spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods to distinguish among the…

Laboratory procedures, background information, and discussion of experimental results are provided for the preparation of Thallium (I) Pentacyanocobaltate (II). The preparation of this pale green salt is carried out in an aqueous medium. (Author/JN)

Briefly surveys the main structural types of sulfur-nitrogen compounds, and describes syntheses, suitable as undergraduate experiments, which illustrate four of the five types of cyclic species. Laboratory procedures, background information, and discussion of results for these experiments are provided. (Author/JN)

Discusses catalytic properties of clays, attributed to acidity of the clay surface. The formation of carbonium ions on montmorillonite is used as a demonstration of the presence of surface acidity, the enhanced dissociation of water molecules when polarized by cations, and the way the surface can interact with organic substances. (Author/JN)

Background information, laboratory procedures, and discussion of results are provided for the synthesis and chemiluminescence of adamantylideneadamantane-1,2-dioxetane (I). Results provided were obtained during a normal junior level organic laboratory course. All intermediates and products were identified using routine spectroscopic analysis.…