Describes a simple device to improve the set retrieval of spilled mercury. (SL)

Discusses the development of materials used in chemical laboratories. (SL)

Describes a reaction system experiment utilizing saponification of ethyl acetate by sodium hydroxide. The activity is part of an undergraduate chemical engineering course. (SL)

Smaller amounts of materials are used in organic chemistry experiments as a means of improving air quality in the laboratory. Presents a preliminary study of the emissions from selected processes and the mixing of these emissions within the laboratory atmosphere. (JN)

Described is a laboratory exercise that uses nuclear magnetic resonance to monitor enantiomeric excess in asymmetric reductions. The laboratory exercise has been used successfully with undergraduate organic chemistry students. (RH)

Discusses an acid-base neutralization exercise requiring groups of students to determine: (1) combinations of solutions giving neutralization; (2) grouping solutions as acids or bases; and (3) ranking groups in order of concentration. (JM)

Discusses an experiment designed to introduce students to the basic principles of the fast Fourier transform and Fourier smoothing through transformation of time-dependent optical absorption data from an oscillating reaction. Uses the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction. Describes the experimental setup and data analysis techniques.

Describes a demonstration involving the controlled combustion of a mixture of metals with black and smokeless powder in a small Erlenmeyer flask. Also describes demonstrations using a device that precludes breathing of hazardous vapors during class demonstrations; the device is easy to transport and use in rooms without sinks. (JN)

Presents a series of syntheses in which poly-4-vinylpyridine is substituted for pyridine or other tertiary amines, avoiding some of the safety problems associated with traditional reagents and providing a readily recoverable and recyclable reactant. Background information, procedures used, and results are included. (JN)

Describes an experimental method of isotope dilution analysis that determines radioactive compound volume rather than mass. Suitable for degree-level biology and chemistry students. (MLH)

Presents an undergraduate experiment that uses ion-exchange techniques to recover the silver chloride precipitate from argentimetric determinations of chloride ions. (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)

Reviews the English booklet, "Safety in Science Laboratories." Included in the booklet is a discussion of teacher roles in ensuring safety in chemistry and biology laboratories. (SL)

Describes a low-cost wave analyzer; how to convert an incandescant light bulb to an x-ray tube; how to use an electric toothbrush to generate waves; the use of a light-emitting diode as a point light source; how to rejuvenate helium-neon lasers; and calibration of an ammeter. (MLH)

Discusses several alternatives to the use of laboratory animals in investigating biomedical problems. Alternatives include tissue culture, use of plant and bacterial material, redesigning experiments, and construction of mathematical and computer models. (CS)