Three-dimensional symmetry plays a crucial role in crystallography education. The educational process can be facilitated by introducing the analysis of friezes and plane patterns such as parquets before presenting more sophisticated crystal structures. Analysis of the symmetry of parquets can serve as an opportunity to follow the full routine of…

Inorganic polymers can be introduced in a variety of undergraduate courses to discuss concepts related to polymer chemistry. Inorganic polymers such as silicates and polysiloxanes are simple materials that can be incorporated into an introductory or descriptive inorganic course. Polymers based on inorganic carbon, including diamond and graphite,…

Zeolite Y has an iconic crystal structure, but more importantly, the hydrogen modification zeolite H-Y is the classic example of a solid acid which is used extensively as a catalyst in the oil industry. This metastable compound cannot be synthesized directly, which creates an opportunity to discuss various preparative strategies with the students,…

This paper will describe a guided inquiry activity for teaching ligand field theory. Previous research suggests the guided inquiry approach is highly effective for student learning. This activity familiarizes students with the key concepts of molecular orbital theory applied to coordination complexes. Students will learn to identify factors that…

Teaching the VSEPR (valence shell electron-pair repulsion) model can be a tedious process. Traditionally, Lewis structures are drawn and the number of "electron clouds" (groups) around the central atom are counted and related to the standard VSEPR table of possible geometries. A simpler method to deduce the VSEPR structure without first drawing…

Incorporates the combined effects of ionic strength and ion association to show how calculations involving ionic equilibria are carried out. Examines the variability of reduction potential data for two aqueous redox systems. Provides several examples. (MVL)

Reviews current biochemistry, education, and polymer course options found in chemistry programs. Proposes a new core curriculum with 28 semester hours with courses in inorganic, chemical, and instrumental analysis, organic, bioorganic, and physical chemistry. Notes that the new curriculum would better prepare students for the existing employment…

Reports a method of preparation for tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) and tris(2,2'-bipyridine)cobalt(III) that will shorten the preparation time by approximately 3 hours. Notes the time for synthesis and isolation of compound one was 1 hour (yield 38 percent) while compound two took 50 minutes (yield 71%). (MVL)

Suggests a change in physical chemistry courses to use a slightly more complicated but significantly more useful generalization of the simple freezing point depression law. Lists reasons for the change and presents the treatment of solid-liquid equilibria where solid-solution is allowed. Provides a mathematical treatment. (MVL)

Presents a didactic model to improve the teaching/learning process in the representation of Lewis structures. Places special emphasis on the calculation and reduction of formal charges, and in the representation of molecules in which the central atom has expanded its valence shell. (MVL)

Described is an interactive database of chemical information called "KC? Discoverer: Exploring the Periodic Table." An overview of the program and details of specific functions are given. The uses of this program in teaching undergraduate inorganic chemistry are stressed. (CW)

Described are two reviews of a computer software package: "The Periodic Table Stack," a Hypercard stack that operates on a database of information about the properties and reactions of the elements and designed to help users of Macintosh computers access data found on "KC? Discoverer." Discussed are features of the program and…

Discusses the problem of symmetry avoidance using water as an historical example. Uses simple pi systems for the analysis. Provides methodology and examples. Investigates two naive arguments. (MVL)

Provides the methodology put forth by Moore and Kraus to separate Co++ from Ni++ in an 8M HCl solution. Notes that cobalt(II) forms a wide variety of anionic complexes. Points out that as the solutions leave the exchange column the color bands of green, blue, and pink are easily seen. (MVL)

Proposed is a flow-chart and related formulas to obtain expressions for the derivatives of the old thermodynamic function in terms of new variables, the new function and its derivatives, and derivatives of the old function, involving only measurable quantities. (CW)