Proposes a simple solution to the problem of expressing graphically absolute configuration, racemic character, and relative configuration in molecules. As demonstrated by several examples, the proposed convention brings added clarity and simplicity to structural drawings and renders graphic displays of chiral molecules as explicit and information…

Illustrates the 29 steps involved in the development of a model of a coordination polyhedron that represents the hexagonal closest packed structure. Points out it is useful in teaching stereochemistry. (TW)

Lists and explains the major characteristics of water. Compares water's molecular structure and its temperature-related properties with four other lightweight molecules. Discusses why water is considered the universal solvent. (ML)

Discusses modifications in the fatty acid monolayer experiment to reduce the inaccurate moleculary data students usually obtain. Copies of the experimental procedure used and a Pascal computer program to work up the data are available from the authors. (JN)

Discusses the use of orbital shapes for instructional purposes, emphasizing that differences between polar, contour, and three-dimensional plots must be made clear to students or misconceptions will occur. Also presents three-dimensional contour surfaces for the seven 4f atomic orbitals of hydrogen and discusses their computer generation. (JN)

Describes a senior-level course that: (1) focuses on the structure and reactions of macromolecules; (2) treats industrial polymers in a unified way; and (3) uses analysis of conformation and conformational statistics as a unifying approach. Also discusses course topics, including polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and others. (JN)

Background information and procedures are provided for a demonstration of intramolecular versus intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The demonstration is based on structural changes in bilirubin molecules which lead to changes in physical properties. A list of further investigations to try is included. (JN)

A Macintosh microcomputer and MacPaint program can be used to quickly make charts of structural formulas that fill standard-sized paper with a minimum of instruction, and smaller drawings or structures or fragments may be inserted into text composed with a word processing program. Shows how this is done. (JN)

Presents background information on nitric acid including old names, history, occurrence, methods of preparation, uses, production, and price. Includes such chemical properties as decomposition; acidity, oxidation of metals and nonmetals; reactions with organic and inorganic compounds; gaseous fluorine; and nitrating properties. Also discusses bond…

Because class size often limits student opportunity to handle individual models, teachers use stereoscopic projections to demonstrate structural features. Describes three-dimensional pointers for use with different projection systems so teachers can indicate a particular atom or bond to entire classes, avoiding the perspective problems inherent in…

Discusses major events leading to the development of the octet rule. Three conclusions based on the work of Mendeleev, Abegg, Thompson, Kossel, Lewis, and Langmuir are considered as is the debate over the rule's validity. (JN)

Discusses the nature and applications of mass-selective laser photoionization. The ionization can be done with a single intense laser pulse lasting a few billionths of a second with no molecular fragmentation. Applications focus on: (1) benzene clusters, excimers, and exciplexes; (2) metal clusters; and (3) triplet formation and decay. (Author/JN)

Reviews graphical methods for representing ternary and quaternary systems, focusing on use of triangular composition diagrams. Examines some of the relevant geometry of triangles in general, showing that right isosceles triangles possess some very advantageous features for representing ternary systems. (JN)

The salient features and importance of chain-reaction polymerization are discussed, including such topics as the thermodynamics of polymerization, free-radical polymerization kinetics, radical polymerization processes, copolymers, and free-radical chain, anionic, cationic, coordination, and ring-opening polymerizations. (JN)

Following a rationale for focusing on this topic, a molecular and nonmathematical approach is used to explain the basics of the flow (rheological) behavior of polymer melts, emphasizing the behavior of melts compared to that of solutions. (JN)