Presents a study of the rhodium-catalyzed, ioding-promoted carbonylation of methyl acetate. This study provides an interesting contrast between the carbonylation of methyl acetate and the carbonylation of methanol when similar rhodium/iodine catalyst systems are used. (JN)

Discusses reacting coal-derived hydrogen and carbon monoxide (syngas) at relatively high selectivity to ethylene, propylene, and butenes over novel catalysts. In addition, data are given which illustrate a unique ethylene removal step which is compatible with operating the olefin synthesis at low conversion. (JN)

Shows how the ammoxidation of olefins can be understood in terms of free radicals and surface bound organometallic intermediates. Also illustrates the close intellectual relationships between heterogeneous catalysis and organometallic chemistry. (JN)

Shows how asymmetric organometallic catalysts can be used to make complex organic molecules with extremely high enantioselectivity. The molecule considered is l-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), an amino acid which was found to be effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. (JN)

Presents a new view of the electronic structure of pi systems that unifies molecular orbital and valence bond theories. Describes construction of electronic structure diagrams (central to this new view) which demonstrate how configuration interaction can improve qualitative predictions made from simple Huckel theory. (JN)

Discusses the rationale for and development of an experiment on the oxidation of secondary alcohols with common hypochlorite bleach. The experiment provides a safe, environmentally sound, and inexpensive modern synthetic method. In addition, it utilizes a variety of laboratory techniques and some fundamental oxidation-reduction chemistry. (JN)

Background information, materials needed, procedures used, and typical results obtained, are provided for an experiment on iron-sulfur-carbonyl and -nitrosyl complexes. The experiment involved (1) use of inert atmospheric techniques and thin-layer and flexible-column chromatography and (2) interpretation of infrared, hydrogen and carbon-13 nuclear…

Examines mechanisms related to use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) for bromination at an allylic position. Also presents derived rate laws for three possible reactions of molecular bromine with an alkene: (1) free radical substitution; (2) free radical addition; and (3) electrophilic addition. (JN)

Pi-CI theory is a simple, semi-empirical procedure which (like Huckel theory) treats pi and pseudo-pi orbitals; in addition, electron repulsion is explicitly included and molecular configurations are mixed. Results obtained from application of pi-CI to ethylene are superior to either the Huckel molecular orbital or valence bond theories. (JN)

Background information and procedures are provided for an experiment in which an oxidation reaction is used to distinguish saturated from unsaturated fats. Results of the experiment lead to discussions and investigations of such areas as digestion chemistry, enzymes, hydrogenation, and the relationship between heart disease and fat consumption.…

Background information, procedures, and typical results are provided for an experiment in which spectrophotometry is used to examine the oxidation of secondary alcohols using chromium (VI). The overall change in oxidation state of chromium during the reaction is VI to III, corresponding to the familiar color change from orange to green. (JN)

Background information, procedures used, and safety considerations are provided for experiments using natural gas. They include: (1) exploding a mixture of natural gas and oxygen; (2) testing for unsaturated hydrocarbons in natural gas; (3) substituting higher saturated hydrocarbons contained in kerosene with bromine; and (4) the pyrolysis of…

Describes quick and easy experiments that yield quantitative information on a variety of levels, emphasize the concept of experimental controls, and integrate the experimental with the theoretical using the organic phosphates as the experimental system. Background information, list of materials needed, and procedures used are included. (JN)

Provides background information on the development and action of the coumarin family of anticoagulants, focusing on an experimental procedure for the synthesis of dicumerol. Includes procedures used and safety considerations. (JM)

Discusses a successfully implemented laboratory experiment that compares the strengths and weaknesses of mechanical and computer models. The computer models used are available from the Quantum Chemistry Program Exchange (QCPE) at a modest price. (JN)