Provides an overview on biological electron-transfer reactions, summarizing what is known about how distance, spatial organization, medium, and other factors affect electron transfer. Experimental approaches, including studies of bimolecular electron transfer reactions (electrostatic effects and precursor complexes), are considered. (JN)

Discusses: (l) alkali and alkaline-earth cations in biology (considering naturally occurring lonophores, their X-ray structures, and physiochemical studies); (2) synthetic complexing agents for groups IA and IIA; and (3) ion transport across membranes (examining neutral macrobicyclic ligands as metal cation carriers, transport by anionic carriers,…

Background information, procedures used, and results obtained are provided for an experiment in which a phase diagram is determined using a differential scanning calorimeter. Commercial samples of D-camphoric anhydride (Eastman Kodak) and D,L-camphoric anhydride (Aldrich) were used in the experiment. (JN)

Describes an experiment involving use of a microemulsion and its characteristic thermal phase change to determine molecular weights of polyoxyethylene samples. The experiment provides students with background information on polymers and organized media and with experience in evaluating polymer molecular weight by using a unique property of a…

Describes a convenient procedure, the Odd-Even Rule, for predicting the allowedness of forbiddenness of ground-state, pericyclic reactions. The rule is applied to a number of specific reactions. In contrast to the Woodward-Hoffman approach, the application to each reaction is always the same. (JN)

Describes the use of rubber hand-stamps to generate molecular pictures. These stamps (prepared with shapes of atoms and molecules at little cost by small, local print shops) can be used in creating pictures representing the microscopic state that can be linked to macroscopic descriptions for active conceptual exploration. (JN)

Describes an experiment in which undergraduate students can do simple Huckel Molecular Orbital (HMO) calculations from spectral data for a series of four closely related dyes. (JN)

Describes two frequently used DNA sequencing methods: Sander's enzymatic dideoxy method and Maxam and Gilbert's chemical sequencing method. Indicates that studying these methods provides students with knowledge of the chemical structure of DNA and how DNA sequence data are obtained. (JN)

Discusses (1) characteristics, interrelationships, and distribution of food constituents (including water) in unfrozen food systems; (2) the freezing process; and (3) chemical changes in food during frozen storage. Protein alterations and lipid oxidation are emphasized. (JN)

Traces the history of the electron theory of the chemical bond. Nineteenth-century ideas on electrical combination, early twentieth-century theories of electrical attraction, and the contribution of G. N. Lewis's shared electron pair are among the topics considered. (JN)

Discusses the use of the properties of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, and their three epoxides to illustrate the relationships of entropy to molecular properties and the concepts of molecular chirality, geometry, and flexibility. (CC)

The temperature at which the onset of coordinated segmental motion begins is called the glass-rubber transition temperature (Tg). Natural rubber at room temperature is a good example of a material above its Tg. Describes an experiment examining the response of a typical polymer to temperature variations above and below Tg. (Author/JN)

The statement is sometimes made in textbooks that liquid hydrogen peroxide is more strongly associated than water, evidenced by its higher boiling point and greater heat of vaporization. Discusses these and an additional factor (the nearly double molecular mass of the peroxide), focusing on hydrogen bonds and structure of the molecule. (JN)

Use of combined liquid chromatography and finite-current electrochemistry (LCEC) procedures are discussed. Also discusses the relationship between electroactivity and molecular structure, selectivity in LCEC, and LCEC applications. Because of its selectivity and low detection limits, the procedures are most often applied in biomedical and…

Wiswesser Line Notation, a system for representing structural formulas by a single line of common symbols (numerals, capital letters, and three punctuation marks), is gaining acceptance as an effective indexing tool. The resulting notations, denoting specific structural fragments of a molecule, can be retrieved by humans or computer. (Author/JN)