Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simeen Sattar
Summary: Quinacridone red and violet are visually distinguishable but have similar IR spectra. They are polymorphs and the experiment showed the presence of a calcium carbonate filler in one of the paints. Students need to reconcile the evidence of color and spectra.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Charis A. Roberts, Seth Allen, Sameh Helmy
Summary: This experiment introduces a straightforward and robust approach for undergraduate students to explore organic photochromism through multistep synthesis, optical characterization, and UV-vis data analysis. Students can isolate and characterize pure products at each stage of the synthesis, while also calculating kinetic parameters based on the collected data. An inquiry-based variant of the experiment is also provided for further exploration and understanding.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marsha A. Grimminger, Matthew P. Tracey, Simeon J. Martinus
Summary: Introductory organic chemistry laboratory is often challenging for students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications, especially in distance learning. A visual experiment using conjugated azo dyes has been developed to help students understand the acid/base properties of functional groups, aiming to enhance student comprehension. Both traditional and distance learning strategies will be presented and compared in this study.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Younis Baqi
Summary: A fast and reproducible synthetic protocol for anthraquinone dyes has been developed, suitable for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses. The synthesis is performed via Ullmann coupling reaction starting from inexpensive materials and a catalytic amount of elemental copper under microwave irradiation. The dyes are purified and characterized, allowing for visual monitoring of the separation.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simeen Sattar
Summary: This article explores different methods for synthesizing malachite, a green painter's pigment, and evaluates the color of the products using spectroscopy and graphical analysis. Five out of eight methods yielded green products, while three yielded blue products. Thermal decomposition and infrared spectra supported the identification of the green products as malachite.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anthony J. Petty, Susan A. Odom
Summary: A simple and reliable synthesis method of ethynylated acenes suitable for upper-division undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory courses has been developed. The experiment involves synthesizing two acene derivatives over 6-8 laboratory sessions, providing students with insights into the impact of molecular structure on electronic properties.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Simone C. R. Ferreira, Martina Franchi, Alberto A. C. C. Pais, J. Sergio Seixas de Melo
Summary: This study analyzed the first Portuguese postage stamps using non-destructive techniques such as X-Ray fluorescence, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared, and Ultraviolet-Visible Reflectance Spectroscopy. The results identified the presence of Prussian blue in blue, green, and brown stamps, as well as other pigments such as chrome and zinc yellow, lead sulphate, and mars red. The study also used chemometric techniques to process the data and distinguish between genuine and forged samples based on the presence of fillers like calcite and kaolinite. Overall, this approach provided extensive information on the composition of the studied postage stamps, including paper and dyes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shegufa Shetranjiwalla, Nicole Leach, Lori Van Belle, Kassidy Kingdon
Summary: Students evaluated the effectiveness of different sunscreens by combining analytical chemistry and organic chemistry knowledge, identifying the reasons for variations in photoprotection levels among sunscreens with the same SPF values.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gagan Dhawan, Indu Singh, Uma Dhawan, Pradeep Kumar
Summary: Nanoparticle synthesis, particularly focusing on selenium nanoparticles, can be achieved through chemical methods utilizing substances like sodium selenite and biological methods using plant materials and microorganisms. Chemical methods involve multiple steps and high cost, while biogenic synthesis is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, making it a preferred approach for nanoparticle production.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kylie L. Luska
Summary: This study designed a multioutcome, guided inquiry-based liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) experiment in introductory organic chemistry. By adjusting the pH value, a series of different dye mixtures were developed, and students improved their laboratory skills, understanding of LLE principles, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, and engagement and enjoyment in the lab.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rattapol Meelapsom, Waranphat Rattanakaroonjit, Akarapong Prakobkij, Nutthaporn Malahom, Saksri Supasorn, Sukhum Ruangchai, Purim Jarujamrus
Summary: This study presents a simple experiment kit for colorimetric quantification of ferric (III) ion (Fe3+) using anthocyanin extracted from Ruellia tuberosa L. as a green indicator in an aqueous medium. The experiment involves extracting anthocyanin using hot water, forming a colored Fe3+-anthocyanin complex on a homemade plate, capturing the color with a smartphone, and measuring the color intensity using ImageJ software. The method enables detection of Fe3+ at low concentrations and shows good linearity within a certain concentration range. The concentrations of Fe3+ determined using this method were comparable to those obtained with UV-visible spectrophotometry. Moreover, the extracted anthocyanin remained stable for two months when stored at 4 degrees C. The experiment improved students' understanding of oxidation-reduction and determination of iron, as assessed by a diagnostic conceptual test.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
J. J. Kenneth Chng, Michael Yudistira Patuwo
Summary: Through an undergraduate project inspired by the research of Bougot-Robin, Imperial College London, students improved a basic Raspberry Pi spectrophotometer design, evaluated their instrument prototypes, and enhanced their ability to draw a diagram of a spectrophotometer. The students learned how to manage instrumental error, process data using Python scripts, and quantify the quality of their instruments. The findings showed significant improvement in students' ability to draw a spectrophotometer diagram compared to those who took traditional chemistry lab classes.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jessica T. Boette, Kira M. Daniel, Josephine W. Lietzke, Shawn M. Amorde, Sean T. Roberts
Summary: Adding research-focused experiences to undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses can enhance student learning, retention in STEM, and their identity as scientists. We have designed a series of low-cost organic chemistry experiments, specifically a multistep synthesis of perylenediimide dyes, to address the challenges faced by community college teaching laboratories. These experiments introduce students to advanced synthetic techniques and can be customized based on their individual goals, leading to a broad library of compounds with potential applications in various fields.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Levente G. Pap
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 forced the education field to rapidly redesign courses for hybrid and online teaching environments. The development of SpectroBox, a small, affordable, and 3D-printed visible spectrophotometer, addressed the lack of hands-on technology-based teaching activities by allowing instructors to create a portable instrument for students to use in remote and hybrid practices. Through the implementation and testing of SpectroBox during the Fall 2020 semester, student assessment data showed an improved understanding of visible spectroscopy, enhancing students' expertise in the field.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hailey N. Lynch, Claire Chaz Authement, Autumn Maczko, Miranda Parker, Kaylan Beaty, Anuradha Liyana Pathiranage
Summary: In this laboratory teaching experiment, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze commercial cannabis oils, specifically focusing on three isomeric cannabinoids commonly found in cannabis products. The experiment aimed to introduce students to GC-MS analysis through the relevant topic of quality inspection, which is widely used in various industries. Students were taught the differences between the structural isomers and guided through the process of analyzing GC-MS spectra to characterize the cannabinoids present in the oil samples.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)