Background information, procedures used, and typical results obtained are provided for an experiment in which students determine and compare the Arrhenius activation energies (Ea) for the hydrolysis of salicin. This reaction is subject to catalysis both by acid and by the enzyme emulsin (beta-d-glucoside glycohydrolase). (JN)

Describes a relatively simple method of extraction and purification of bacterial DNA. This technique permits advanced secondary-level science students to obtain adequate amounts of DNA from very small pellets of bacteria and to observe some of its polymer properties. (ML)

The philosophy, structure, and organization of a chemical engineering (ChE) process laboratory are discussed. The laboratory emphasizes the oral and communication skills of students who are part of groups that resemble an industrial process research and development group. An annotated list of students' experimental projects is included. (JN)

Indicates that the true red color of calcium can be obtained (using the procedure described by Sorm and Logowski) if the calcium ion solution is mixed with an equal volume of saturated ammonium bromide solution. Suggestions for flame tests of other elements are also noted. (JN)

Shows that nitric acid can be used as a rapid, versatile, and economical oxidant for selected organic substances. The experiments (with background information, procedures, and results provided) require one three-hour laboratory period but could serve as open-ended projects since substrates not described could be oxidized. (JN)

Describes a study conducted to obtain information on how microcomputers and, to a lesser extent, mainframe computers are being used in the finance area. The primary focus was on the undergraduate level finance curriculum. Information was gathered on the extent of microcomputer utilization, utilization of microcomputer laboratories, and…

Provides background information on the earthworm. Reviews basic anatomical, behavioral, and reproductive facts. Offers suggestions for procuring, maintaining, and breeding colonies for classroom use. (ML)

Describes an experiment which offers a simple means of generating the liquidus curve of a temperature-composition diagram for a binary mixture of volatile liquids. Includes background information, materials list, procedures used (which can be accomplished by beginning organic chemistry students), and typical results obtained. (JN)

Describes this reaction sequence involving reactivity and synthesis of heterocycles: (1) synthesis of 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate, II; (2) its reaction with nucleophiles; (3) reaction of pyrylium salt II with a primary amine (benzylamine, p-methoxybenzylamine, and furfurylamine) to form the N-substituted-2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium…

Errors in determining the effectiveness of mouthwashes, disinfectants, and other household products as antibacterial agents may result from using broth cultures and/or irregularly shaped bits of filter paper. Presents procedures for a better technique and, for advanced students, two additional procedures for introducing quantitative analysis into…

Reports results in the attempted synthesis of the ethyl ester hydrochlorides of 21 common L-amino acids. Procedures used in the synthesis are outlined. (JN)

Background information and experimental procedures are provided for the multistep synthesis of frontalin. The experiment exposes students to a range of practical laboratory problems and important synthetic reactions and provides experiences in working on a medium-size, as well as a relatively small-size scale. (JN)

Describes a series of experiments (requiring six hours/week for six to eight weeks) involving the synthesis and methanolysis of substituted benzyl tosylates. The experiments provide students with experiences in kinetic data manipulation and an introduction and firm basis for structure-activity relationships and solvent effects in organic…

Discusses a graphical procedure which allows the distribution constant of iodine to be determined simultaneously with the trihalide anion stability constant. In addition, the procedure extends the experimental chemistry from distribution equilibria to important thermodynamic and bonding features. Advantages of using the procedure are also…

Describes an experiment in which the kinetics of dimerization of nitrosamine induced by a flash of light is measured. The experiment can be performed with a commercial ultraviolet-VIS spetrophotometer with easy to make modifications. The experiment demonstrates a flash photolysis system not always available in university chemistry laboratories.…