A discovery-oriented lab experiment is developed that illustrates the chemoselective nature of reductions using sodium borohydride. Products are of sufficient purity to allow analysis by spectroscopy without further purification.

A new, fast and effective colorimetric analysis of the artificial sweetener aspartame is presented for application in undergraduate laboratory courses. This new method incorporates the use of a modified biuret reagent for selective detection and analysis of aspartame in aqueous solutions. The modified reagent is less caustic than the traditional…

A hearing was held on Senate Bill 335, the Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1993, a bill that requires the federal government to transfer 200 megahertz of spectrum to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for new technologies. Integral to this measure, a bipartisan effort, is a provision that will allow the FCC to use…

Describes an undergraduate physical chemistry experiment in which a low cost spectrofluorimeter is used to carry out elementary emission measurements on a transition metal complex. The students measure uncorrected emission and excitation spectra, and determine the rate constant for an exceedingly fast bimolecular reaction, the deactivation of an…

Describes an experiment designed to familiarize students with the operation of a precision spectrophotometer, the effects of changes in operating variables, and the characteristics of such components as sources and detectors. (SLH)

Describes new apparatus and equipment including balances, spectrophotometers, gas chromatographs, pH meters, calculators and temperature controllers. (GS)

Based on instructional experiences at Charles County Community College, Maryland, this report examines the pedagogical advantage of teaching atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy with an AA spectrophotometer that is equipped with a microprocessor and video output mechanism. The report first discusses the growing importance of AA spectroscopy in…

Instructions accompanied by illustrations for building a low-cost demonstration spectroscope are presented. Materials and tools are pictured and labeled. Cost is estimated at five dollars (in 1980) and twelve hours of work are required to build the spectroscope. (SA)

Describes an undergraduate experiment that provides instruction in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, reaction rates, and the application of mathematical procedures. (MLH)

A new scale is suggested, with the objective of simplifying relationships between the various scales and units used in spectroscopy. Although there are certain drawbacks to such a scale, it is hoped that the suggestion will stimulate discussion on the relevance of the many scales and units that are used. (Author/BB)

Surveys new laser techniques and a variety of spectroscopic experiments that can be used to detect, measure and study very small numbers of atoms on molecules. The range of applicability of these techniques is also included. (HM)

Presents an experiment involving the identification of FD&C dyes by visible spectroscopy. (SL)

Describes a procedure for modifying an interferometer which compensates for distortions when making interferograms. (SL)

Describes two demonstrations for use in college chemistry classes. Includes "Spectroscopy in Large Lecture Halls" and "The Endothermic Dissolution of Ammonium Nitrate." Gives materials lists and procedures as well as a discussion of the results. (CW)