Describes an experimental procedure for determining trihalomethanes (THMs) in liquids by gas chromatography. Provides recommendations for reactants and supplies to obtain acceptable results. Discusses the analysis of water from various sources: pools, lakes, and drinking water; compares these to three cola drinks. (ML)

This article gives a brief description of the process of the removal of corrosion and millscale from the surfaces of ferrous metals by acid pickling. It suggests an experiment to illustrate this process including the procedure and a discussion of the results. (CW)

Discussed are four major advantages to the use of microscale laboratories for teaching chemistry. Included are effects on waste generation, laboratory safety, reagent variety, and laboratory efficiency. (CW)

Develops a compact minicell design in which the measured voltage is close to the desired emf. Notes student's observations for several cells are within 0.02V of the expected values. Presents numerous reasons for using miniware and semimicro qualitative analysis. Full experimental writeup is available from the authors. (MVL)

Reexamines the electronic structure of water considering divergent views. Discusses several aspects of molecular orbital theory using spectroscopic molecular orbitals and localized molecular orbitals. Gives examples for determining lowest energy spectroscopic orbitals. (ML)

Describes why specific forms of orbitals used to interpret spectroscopy involving electronic transitions may not say much about the electronic structure of molecules. Discusses several theoretical approaches to explain the anomoly. Determines that the Lewis electron-pair model for molecules is a good predictor of spectroscopic results. (ML)

Considers two types of laser applications in kinetics. Explores short laser pulses to prepare a reactant in a known state and a continuous laser as a probe to monitor specific species in a reaction. Describes how lasers work and provides several examples of kinetic reactions. (ML)

Reviews three computer software packages for Apple II computers. Includes "Simulation of Hemoglobin Function,""Solution Equilibrium Problems," and "Thin-Layer Chromatography." Contains ratings of ease of use, subject matter content, pedagogic value, and student reaction according to two separate reviewers for each…

Reported are the results of computer software used in eight different situations. Topics considered include scheduling, test generation, data checking, databases, temperature probes, automated samplers, wireless data communications, and the "group three" phenomenon. (CW)

Describes an introductory chemistry experiment that can be used for lead-in discussions for a variety of topics. Stresses this experiment's ease because of measuring simplicity and familiarity of materials, and its value of reinforcing proper observation and recording techniques while getting students to think about techniques and concepts of…

Described are 14 experiments that use lasers. Topic areas include physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. Instrumentation and the use of the laser in undergraduate research are discussed. (CW)

Explores the structural behavior of polyenic pi systems such as isomerization and conjugation. Uses the simultaneous spectrophotometric analysis of a beta-carotene and lycopene mixture. Presents an empirical method to determine the number of double bonds in the polyenic carotenoid. (MVL)

Describes a chemistry software program that emulates a modern binary gradient HPLC system with reversed phase column behavior. Allows for solvent selection, adjustment of gradient program, column selection, detectory selection, handling of computer sample data, and sample preparation. (MVL)

Traces the development of bonding theory and notes the influence of preconceived theory upon this development. Considers ideas of alchemy, Newton, Dalton, Lewis, and quantum mechanics. Suggests a move away from conservative descriptive approaches of bonding theory. (ML)

Argues for the introduction of a college level safety course for chemistry majors and surveys college catalog offerings to determine course status in American Chemical Society approved departments. Concludes that six percent of approved departments offer a formal safety course. (ML)