Summarizes the results obtained from a questionnaire to gather information about the present state of organic chemistry teaching in Italy and to obtain the opinions of organic chemists on a possible restructuring of chemistry degree curricula. (Author/SK)

Describes an experiment providing an experimental introduction to vibrational spectroscopy and experience in using an elementary vacuum line. The experiment, using a gas cell charged with methanol, is completed in a three-hour laboratory period and is directed toward understanding vibrational spectroscopy rather than the diagnostic value of the…

Presents background information, materials needed, and experimental procedures to study enzymes dependent on pyridine nucleotide coenzymes (NAD/NADH). The experiments, suitable for advanced organic or biochemistry courses, require approximately 10-15 hours to complete. (SK)

Describes an experiment to analyze commercial analgesic preparations (pain relievers) by silica gel thin layer chromatography, followed by preparative (thick) layer chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis. Key difference from similar experiments is that students are responsible for devising suitable solvent systems for the thin layer…

Mechanical properties (stress-strain relationships) of polymers are reviewed, taking into account both time and temperature factors. Topics include modulus-temperature behavior of polymers, time dependence, time-temperature correspondence, and mechanical models. (JN)

Demonstrates how the incorporation of relatively low amounts of ionic material into nonionic polymers affects the structure and properties of these polymers. The extent to which properties are altered depends on dielectric constant of the backbone, position and type of ionic group, counterion type, ion concentration, and degree of neutralization.…

A series of programs on organic chemistry written for a 48K Apple computer with Applesoft BASIC and a disk drive are reviewed. Strengths and weaknesses of the package are noted. It is felt the material would be an excellent purchase for any college library or chemistry department. (MP)

The application of molecular mechanics (a nonquantum mechanical method for solving problems concerning molecular geometries) to calculate force fields for n-butane and cyclohexane is discussed. Implications regarding the stable conformations of the example molecules are also discussed. (Author/SK)

Presented are three ways in which bioactivity of organic compounds has been introduced in organic chemistry courses. One is to point out a typical bioactivity of a given functional group. A second is to discuss biorganic mechanisms. A third is to draw structure-activity correlations (SAR). (Author/HM)

Reports results of a survey on the treatment of industrial organic chemistry in 12 current textbooks. Suggests that the topic be integrated into the overall coverage of course material. (JN)

Presents recommendations sent to schools by the Laboratory Safeguards Sub-Committee in the United Kingdom to prevent hazards of a number of chemicals. How to avoid phosphorous fires and accidents from doing dangerous experiments in chemistry are also included. (HM)

Describes an undergraduate organic chemistry course at Colorado State University that employs student-designed laboratory procedures in the laboratory. An outline illustrating the use of this approach is included. Advantages over the traditional approach are detailed. (BT)

This article, intended for college organic chemistry students, discusses how chiral pheromones are synthesized from glumatic acid. (HM)

The laboratory experiment described here is intended to be of use to the forensic science major enrolled in a course in organic chemistry. The experiment is the use of thin-layer chromotography for qualitative analysis, specifically for the identification of drugs. (Author/SA)

A historical review of the development of aromatic chemistry, including the Kekule formula, Huckel's Rule, polycyclic aromatics, and nonclassical aromatic compounds. (BB)