The contemporary Human activity utilizes huge volumes of digital data to solve efficiently multiple socio-economic, scientific and technical problems. Now the big data analysis is mainly oriented to the socioeconomic sphere with a goal to lift the profit. The science and technology to penetrate deeper in the nature of objects and systems under…

This experiment introduces undergraduate organic chemistry students to analysis and interpretation of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra through characterization of postconsumer plastics. Students use FTIR spectra to identify and differentiate the common recyclable polymer resins #1-6: polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyethylene (HDPE…

Nowadays, technologies involving nanoparticles, colloids, sensors, and artificial intelligence are widespread in society, media, and industry. It is thus mandatory to integrate them into the curricula of students enrolled in chemistry and materials science. To this purpose, we designed a simple assay for the detection of glutathione (GSH) using…

The Beer-Lambert law is a fundamental relationship in chemistry that helps connect macroscopic experimental observations (i.e., the amount of light exiting a solution sample) to a symbolic model composed of system-level parameters (e.g., concentration values). Despite the wide use of the Beer-Lambert law in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum…

In an effort to further develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, a guided-inquiry-based, multioutcome organic chemistry synthesis and characterization experiment was developed. Students were provided with the protocol for a time-saving microwave-assisted acetanilide synthesis reaction from acetic anhydride and an unknown primary aryl…

Amides are usually prepared using amines and acyl halides, which often implies a two-step procedure. Alternatively, coupling reagents can be used in a single-step reaction with good yields, which seems to be suitable for organic chemistry laboratory classes. This work was designed to synthesize "N"-hexylcinnamamide through a one-step…

The lifetime of the excited state of a material is essential for characterizing its photophysical and photochemical processes and substantially affects the quantum efficiencies of its luminescence (fluorescence or phosphorescence) and photo(catalytic) reactions. However, undergraduate students are much more likely to do steady-state, rather than…

This paper describes an upper-division undergraduate exercise involving the synthesis and iodometric and infrared spectroscopic analysis of the peroxide double salt [Zn(NH[subscript 3])[subscript 4]][Mo(O[subscript 2])[subscript 4]]. Here, iodometric methods are employed to determine the peroxide content of the compound, a procedure widely used…

Capstone teaching laboratory activities can serve as a crucial part of the undergraduate learning experience. With this in mind, a laboratory activity that combines synthesis and multiple characterization techniques has been developed for an upper-division, laboratory-based inorganic course. Complexes of Cu(II) and Ni(II) of the amino acid glycine…

Introductory physics laboratory experiments have typically been employed to reinforce classroom instruction instead of teaching students experimental design. Recent research has shown that lab experiments that focus on experimental practices are more effective at teaching students physics concepts. The experiment described in this paper has been…

As the field of educational neuroscience continues to grow, questions have emerged regarding the ecological validity and applicability of this research to educational practice. Recent advances in mobile neuroimaging technologies have made it possible to conduct neuroscientific studies directly in naturalistic learning environments. We propose that…

The bromination of six isomeric alcohols is adapted to a discovery-based organic chemistry laboratory experiment, whereby students are provided an alcohol starting material and are charged with determining the product or product mixture produced using relevant spectroscopic data. The experiment solidifies NMR analysis skills while reinforcing the…

This laboratory experiment introduces upper-division undergraduate analytical chemistry students to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in a forensic application: the analysis of cocaine and metabolites of cocaine in simulated serum ostensibly from drug overdose victims. For this investigation, students developed the…

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a vibrational spectroscopic technique useful in chemical, pharmaceutical, and forensic sciences. It is essential to identify chemicals for reasons spanning from scientific research and academic practices to quality control in companies. However, in some university degrees, graduate students do not get the proficiency…

A laboratory project to introduce upper-level undergraduates to Pd-catalyzed C-N [sigma]-bond forming reactions is described. The exercise involves evaluation of monodentate phosphine ligands and solvents for the Buchwald-Hartwig coupling of 4-chloro-or 4-bromo-anisole with morpholine. Students gain experience in the synthesis of a biarylphosphine…