Examines trends in methods for deriving chemical information from a variety of systems and environments, focusing on improvements in sensitivity, specificity, speed and simplicity, and in sampling. Indicates that the increasing importance of analytical instrumentation requires reexamination of its coverage in educational curricula. (JN)

Some of the important modern developments of thin-layer chromatography are introduced. Discussed are the theory and instrumentation of thin-layer chromatography including multidimensional and multimodal techniques. Lists 53 references. (CW)

Discussed are the kinetic interactions of these chemical processes and the determination of the actual order of such reactions. Included are multiple exchange, catalytic exchange with deuterium, and depletion of the original substrate. (CW)

Discussed is an analytical technique that uses photons from lasers to resonantly excite an electron from some initial state of a gaseous atom through various excited states of the atom or molecule. Described are the apparatus, some analytical applications, and the precision and accuracy of the technique. Lists 26 references. (CW)

Discussed are accidents that occur in the laboratories of highly trained chemists. Four examples are provided to illustrate potential hazards that are often overlooked in chemistry laboratories, molten inorganic salt baths, the reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide, halogenated acetylene compounds, and the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and…

Discussed are applications of robotics in the chemistry laboratory. Highlighted are issues of precision, accuracy, and system integration. Emphasized are the potential benefits of the use of robots to automate laboratory procedures. (CW)

Described is the basic biology involved in mapping chromosomes as presented at a symposium at a recent meeting of the American Chemical Association which focused on the Human Genome Initiative. Different types of gene maps and techniques used to produce gene maps are discussed. (CW)

Describes the chemical analysis and rating system used at "Consumer Reports" in rating antacids. Discusses considerations made concerning dosage and duration of 12 common brands of antacid. (CW)

Discusses general statistical methods which could be employed to develop homework problems and laboratory exercises. Methods emphasize experimental design and the effects of uncertainties on inferences drawn from experimental data. (CW)

Describes an apparatus that uses liquified gases to wash solids. Discusses the procedures and processes used to do a wash with liquid sulfur dioxide. (CW)

Outlines a laboratory exercise that makes use of Beer's Law plots of cysteine constructed at several pH values over a broad range of wavelengths to estimate the tautomeric ratio (R) of two singly charged ionic forms, calculate the microscopic constants, and construct ultraviolet spectra for both light absorbing species. (CW)

Discusses the effects of using carbon dioxide contaminated sodium hydroxide solution as a titrant for a solution of a weak monoprotic acid and the resulting distortion of the titration curve in comparison to one obtained when an uncontaminated titrant is used. (CW)

Reviews studies focusing on practical assessment in science. Areas considered include what students are really doing in laboratories, how practical skills should be assessed, methods used to assess practical science (such as internal/external examinations and continuous assessment), methodological issues, and reasons for the failure of some…

Analyzes three approaches (physical, mental, combined practice) to improving freshman chemistry psychomotor laboratory skills. Although no significant differences were found between treatments, there were significant differences when each was compared to the control sections. Mental practice appears to offer an efficient methods for reinforcement…

Contained in this issue are 30 articles reviewing advances in different fields of analytical chemistry since 1980. Cumulatively, these reviews list over 1000 references. (CW)