Surveyed are the etymology and the reason scientists coined a specific name for a newly discovered element. Approaches to naming from a historical viewpoint are considered. (CW)

Described is research conducted on cluster-assembled matter. The differing character of these arrangements of matter are discussed. Methods used to produce clusters are reviewed. (CW)

Presents calculations that suggest stoichiometric, ionic, and noble gas-metal compounds may be stable. Bases calculations on estimated values of electron affinity, anionic radius for the noble gases and for the Born exponents of resulting crystals. Suggests the desirability of experiments designed to prepare compounds containing anionic,…

Discusses the significance of periodicity and covalent atomic radius among the elements. Describes contraction across the row, expansion down the group, irregularities in the buildup of the periodic table and periodicities of physiochemical properties. (CW)

Presented is a technique for making various molecular models from a strip of paper. Instructions for six models including tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramid, octahedral, pentagonal bipyramid, and capped octahedron models are provided. (CW)

Examined are the illustrations and descriptions of the molecular structure of sulfur dioxide found in selected chemistry textbooks. Inconsistencies and incorrect information are indicated. It is suggested that molecules other than sulfur dioxide be used as examples of molecules for which resonance is important. (CW)

Applications of lasers to molecular absorption spectrometry, molecular fluorescence spectrometry, visible semiconductor fluorometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and atomic fluorescence spectrometry are discussed. Details of the use of the frequency-doubled diode laser are provided. (CW)

Discusses the variety of explanations in organic chemistry textbooks of a physical property of organic compounds. Focuses on those concepts explaining attractive forces between molecules. Concludes that induction interactions play a major role in alkyl halides and other polar organic molecules and should be given wider exposure in chemistry texts.…

Examined are some of the types of two-dimensional spectra. Their application to nuclear magnetic resonance for the elucidation of molecular structure is discussed. Included are J spectroscopy, H-H correlation spectroscopy, heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy, carbon-carbon correlation, nuclear Overhauser effect correlation, experimental…

Proposed is a more didactic version of the electronic periodic table than is being used. The background and use of the numeric system is detailed and illustrated. (CW)

Discussed is the importance of valence bond theory on the quantum-mechanical theory of chemical structure and the nature of the chemical bond. Described briefly are early VB theory, development of VB theory, modern versions, solid-state applications, models, treatment in textbooks, and flaws in criticisms of valence bond theory. (KR)

Gives the background history of the simultaneous discovery of acid-base relationships by Johannes Bronsted and Thomas Lowry. Provides a brief biographical sketch of each. Discusses their concept of acids and bases in some detail. (CW)

An understanding of the concepts of atoms and molecules is fundamental to the learning of chemistry. Any misconceptions and alternative conceptions related to these concepts which students harbor will impede much further learning. This paper identifies misconceptions related to the fundamental characteristics of atoms and molecules which Grade 12…

Described is a method that can be used to obtain molecular or atomic term symbols. Several examples accompany an explanation of the method. (CW)

Reviews a method for determining oxidation numbers in covalent compounds and balancing mixed organic-inorganic or purely organic systems. Points out ambiguities presented when adjacent atoms have small or zero electronegativity differences. Presents other limitations that arise when using electronegativity values. (CW)