Our modular laboratory teaching program is characterized by two major features. First, each course is taught independently and not linked with a particular lecture course. Second, each course is designed to be completed within one-half semester or less. The modular organization has allowed incorporation of the latest technology, reduction of class…

On equilibrium properties of aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid, Julius Thomsen has marked that the heat evolved on diluting liquid sulfuric acid with water is a continuous function of the water used, and excluded absolutely the acceptance of definite hydrates as existing in the solution. Information about thermochemical measurement, a discussion…

The use of weekly peer-evaluated poster sessions as a method for evaluating laboratory work in a general chemistry lab is reported. Findings show that the posters appear to have helped the students better understand how to display information concisely.

The role of ethanol O-d in nullifying the deuterolysis may be demonstrated by determining that transesterification of methyl acetoacetate of the ethyl ester occurs as well as deuterium exchange of the five acetoacetate hydrogens. The significant acidity of the methylene protons in the acetoacetate group, the efficacy of base catalysis, the role of…

A new undergraduate laboratory experiment suitable for demonstrating some key techniques used in natural products chemistry is described. A laboratory experiment is developed which in the process of extracting shikimic acid from star aniseed exposes students to a number of important experimental techniques.

Electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) experiment is designed for the second-semester and undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory. In the EAS experiment, the principles of green chemistry are discussed and illustrated in conjunction with the presentation of electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Laboratory exercises are intended to illustrate concepts and add an active learning component to courses. Since the 1980s, there has been a decline in animal laboratories offered in conjunction with medical physiology courses. The most important single reason for this is cost, but other contributing factors include the development of computer…

An experiment is performed to measure the relative gas-phase basicities of a series of five amino acids to compare the results to literature values. The experiments use the kinetic method for deriving ion thermochemistry and allow students to perform accurate measurements of thermodynamics in a relatively short time.

A laboratory exercise incorporating biological keying into student learning, where students work together in cooperative learning setting is presented. The exercise fosters cooperative learning and accountability because the whole group is responsible for the final product.

A group exercise, suggested to be most effective when used near the semester-end, enables entry-level students to appreciate the application of plant biology and makes botany labs experimental. It is believed that this series of labs helps students to appreciate their own learning when they teach and explain things to others.

The potency of heat in gases is measured by the application of a computer and the LabWorks interaction, while the speed of sound in gases is determined by an instrument called Kundt's tube. This unique and accurate procedure is repeatable, and greatly reduces data acquisition time.

The case of Well Wishes involves students in a thorough examination of the interaction among nitrogen-composed species in the septic systems and well water, which helps to clean household water. The case supports the attainment of five goals for students, and can be analyzed through classroom discussions or laboratory experiments.

A comprehensive program in the field of green chemistry, which concentrates on processing and managing of wastes produced during laboratory experiments, is presented. The primary aim of the program is to instill a sense of responsibility and a concern for the environment through organic chemistry education.

The use of KOH and a phase transfer catalyst to achieve diastereoselective Darzens condensation is described and a modification of the method for use in organic chemistry is carried out. The experiment involves the condensation of t-butyl chloroacentate and p-tolualdehyde with KOH and benzyltriethylammonium chloride in THF.

The facile, high yielding synthesis of phenylsuccinamic acids is described and one of these syntheses, the reaction of phenylsuccinic anhydride with tert-butylamine, is successfully modified and adapted for use in the second-semester organic chemistry laboratory at St. John's University. Succinamic acids are compounds that contain both the amide…