Experiments involving the coupling of alkyl and aryl halides in the presence of lithium metal and ultrasound are described. The experiments illustrate classical Wurtz and Fittig reactions in addition to being a convenient application of organic sonochemistry. (JN)

Examines mechanisms related to use of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) for bromination at an allylic position. Also presents derived rate laws for three possible reactions of molecular bromine with an alkene: (1) free radical substitution; (2) free radical addition; and (3) electrophilic addition. (JN)

Kinetic versus thermodynamic control of product formation is discussed in undergraduate textbooks, and journal papers suggest suitable experiments to illustrate this concept. In rationalizing experimental observations, this paper offers a new alternative to that conventionally employed and provides students with an interesting exercise in…

Provides background information and procedures for the multi-step synthesis of tiger moth and boll weevil pheromones (sex attractants). These syntheses require several laboratory periods. The tiger moth pheromone synthesis is suitable for introductory organic chemistry while the boll weevil pheromone is recommended for an advanced laboratory…

Describes a senior-level experiment dealing with the synthesis and characterization of a perovskite. Since most perovskites are cubic, their characterization by x-ray diffraction is simplified. In addition, magnetic ordering may be observed and the effects of a Jahn-Teller distortion seen. (JN)

An autocatalytic reaction is one in which the reaction is catalyzed by its own products. Materials needed and procedures used to demonstrate an autocatalytic reaction with bromethymol blue indicator are provided. (JN)

Discusses catalytic properties of clays, attributed to acidity of the clay surface. The formation of carbonium ions on montmorillonite is used as a demonstration of the presence of surface acidity, the enhanced dissociation of water molecules when polarized by cations, and the way the surface can interact with organic substances. (Author/JN)

Outlines advantages of and provides background information, procedures, and typical student data for an experiment determining rate of hydration of p-methyoxyphenylacetylene (III), followed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Reaction rate can be adjusted to meet time framework of a particular laboratory by altering concentration of…

Describes experiments using dye solutions in liquid crystals in which polar molecules are oriented in an electrical field and devices are constructed to change their color in response to an electric signal. (CS)

Presents background information, safety notes, and laboratory procedures for synthesizing dinitrogen and dihydrogen complexes of molybdenum. The one-step method described is suitable for advanced inorganic chemistry classes. (SK)

Reassesses a common textbook misconception that "...phenols cannot be esterified directly." Results of experiments are discussed and data tables provided of an effective method for the direct preparation of phenyl acetate. (CS)

Presents a chemistry experiment to illustrate the solubility behavior of an indicator in its neutral and ionic state and the consequences of acidity and basicity. (NB)

Reports an experiment demonstrating the existence of the oscillatory phenomenon in the manganese +2 catalyzed reaction between citric acid and potassium bromate. (SL)

Describes an advanced physical or inorganic chemistry experiment in determining the rate law of chemical reactions which demonstrates unusual behavior of k-obs. (SL)