This article describes a discovery-oriented experiment for demonstrating the selectivity of two epoxidation reactions. Peroxy acids and alkaline H[subscript 2]O[subscript 2] are two commonly used reagents for alkene epoxidation. The former react preferentially with electron-rich alkenes while the latter works better with alpha,beta-unsaturated…

Discusses the work of Lecoq de Boisbaudran, who established the identity of gallium in 1875 by applying his knowledge of spectroscopy to the elucidation of atomic weights and atomic properties. (MLH)

The catechol dioxygenases are bacterial iron-containing enzymes that catalyze the oxidative cleavage of catechols. These enzymes serve as a component of nature's mechanisms for degrading aromatic compounds in the environment. The structure and mechanistic aspects of these enzymes are described. (JN)

Shows that electronic structure diagrams make more accurate predictions of spectral properties and chemical reactivity for simple pi systems than do either Huckel molecular orbital or valence bond theory alone. Topics addressed include absorption and photoelectron spectra, spin density distribution in radicals, and several problems regarding…

Summarizes the content of a lecture in which relativistic effects in chemistry are introduced through a calculation that illustrates these effects on the s and p electrons and that can be verified by photoelectron spectroscopy data. (JN)

The basic principles, current techniques, instrumentation, and possible chemical applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging are discussed. (JN)

Analytical techniques used at various points in making microchips are described. They include: Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (silicon purity); optical emission spectroscopy (quantitative thin-film composition); X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (chemical changes in thin films); wet chemistry, instrumental analysis (process chemicals);…

Discusses the nature of Fourier transform mass spectrometry and its unique combination of high mass resolution, high upper mass limit, and multichannel advantage. Examines its operation, capabilities and limitations, applications (ion storage, ion manipulation, ion chemistry), and future applications and developments. (JN)

Provided is a selective literature survey of X-ray spectrometry from late 1981 to late 1983. Literature examined focuses on: excitation (photon and electron excitation and particle-induced X-ray emission; detection (wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive spectrometry); instrumentation and techniques; and on such quantitative analytical…

This review is presented in six sections. Sections focus on literature related to: (1) developments in instrumentation, measurement techniques, and procedures; (2) performance studies of flames and electrothermal atomizers; (3) applications of atomic absorption spectrometry; (4) analytical comparisons; (5) atomic fluorescence spectrometry; and (6)…

Describes an approach which provides a basis for developing skills in interpreting infrared spectra and gives students a methodology which is functional without having to match "problem" spectra with "published" spectra. In addition, the suggested approach is reinforced easily by laboratory exercises involving known or unknown…

This booklet, geared toward an advanced high school or early college-level audience, explains how structural biology provides insight into health and disease and is useful in developing new medications. This publication contains a general introduction to proteins, coverage of the techniques used to determine protein structures, and a chapter on…

Comparisons between three amplification systems of signals from photoelectric detectors are made. (RR)

Thirteen questions about light and spectra are provided. Although they do not have clearcut answers, the questions highlight matters about scientific methodology, which is educationally important. Suggests that students perform experiments similar to those performed by Newton, Wollaston, and Fraunhofer. (JN)