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…

Three chemistry demonstrations are described: (1) partition coefficients; (2) Rutherford simulation experiment; and (3) demonstration of the powerful oxidizing property of dimanganeseheptoxide. Background information, materials needed, and procedures are provided for each demonstration. (JN)

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 straight-forward and relatively inexpensive method for routine isolation of purified soybean agglutinin, suitable for use as a starting material in most studies, especially for fluorescent-labeling experiments. The process is used as a project to provide advanced laboratory training at a two-year college. (Author/JN)

Describes a 10-week survey course in catalysis for chemical engineering and chemistry students designed to show how modern chemistry and chemical engineering interact in the ongoing development of industrial catalysts. Includes course outline and instructional strategies. (Author/JN)

Presented is a possible approach to the classroom treatment of enzyme kinetics at the two-substrate level. Areas discussed include single substrate cases, two substrate cases, Cleland's rules, dead end inhibition, inhibitor complexing with more than one enzyme form, and product inhibition. (JN)

Oxidation of magnesium metal in air has been used as an introductory experiment for determining the formula of a compound. The experiment described employs essentially the same laboratory procedure but is significantly more advanced in terms of information sought. Procedures and sample calculations/results are provided. (JN)