Describes an experiment which illustrates simple synthetic techniques, redox principles in synthesis reactions, interpretation of visible spectra using Orgel diagrams, and the spectrochemical series. The experiment is suitable for the advanced undergraduate inorganic chemistry laboratory. (JN)

Background information and procedures are provided for a second part to the dichromate volcano demonstration. The green ash produced during the demonstration is reduced to metal using aluminothermy (Goldschmide process). Also describes suitable light sources and spectroscopes for student observation of emission spectra in lecture halls. (JN)

This review on infrared spectrometry covering the period from late 1981 to late 1983, is divided into nine sections. Topic areas include: books; reviews; analytical applications; biochemical applications; environmental applications; polymer applications; infrared instrumentation; sampling techniques; and software and algorithms. (JN)

Provides background information on and experiments for determining the spectra of streetlights. Procedures for taking photographs of the spectra produced are included as well as discussions of sodium and mercury spectra. (JN)

Describes an experiment in which two organic compounds having the same nmr spectra are identified by their differing mass spectra. (MLH)

Presents an inorganic oxidation-reduction kinetics experiment, and describes a low cost (less than $50) modification of the Bausch and Lomb Spectronic 20 Colorimeter which will provide a linear output in absorbance. (MLH)

Includes five brief articles on: solar-heating demonstration equipment, mercury or sodium vapor lamp spectroscopy, an apparatus for simulating variable stars, a voltage-to-frequency converter, and an introductory absorption experiment for low-energy beta particles. (MLH)

To assess the ability of current analytical methods to approach the single-atom detection level, theoretical and experimentally determined detection levels are presented for several chemical elements. A comparison of these methods shows that the most sensitive atomic spectrochemical technique currently available is based on emission from…

Major instrumental concerns in molecular solution fluorimetry have recently turned away from sensitivity enhancement to an orientation more directed toward selectivity. This trend simply recognizes that such methodology has historically been blank limited. Thus, the described uses of liquid chromatography, line narrowing, and time resolution…

Discusses two newer methods in mass spectrometry and shows how they can increase signal and signal-to-noise ratios, respectively. The first method, desorption ionization (DI), increases sensitivity while the second method, mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS), increases specificity. Together, the two methods offer improved analytical…

Background information, procedures, and typical results are provided for an experiment which integrates principles of fluorescent and kinetic analysis. In the procedure, mecuric chloride is used as a selective oxidizing agent for converting thiamine to thiochrome. The experiment can be completed in a two-hour laboratory period. (Author/JN)

Describes a simple method to determine potential chemical formulas for a given molecular weight and to calculate all of the typical mass spectrometric parameters which can be obtained experimentally. Calculated values can then be compared to experimental values to obtain the most reasonable formula. (JN)

Describes a physical chemistry experiment which uses group theory to help interpret the infrared spectrum of a polyatomic molecule with Td symmetry (spherical tops). Topics covered in the experiment: background information and theory, experimental procedures, and typical student results. (JN)

When salt (NaCl) is introduced into a colorless flame, a bright yellow light (characteristic of sodium) is produced. Why doesn't the chlorine produce a characteristic color of light? The answer to this question is provided, indicating that the flame does not excite the appropriate energy levels in chlorine. (JN)