Discusses superoxide dismutase (SOD) research and the properties of copper, zinc (Cu, Zn)-SOD. Emphasizes the controversy concerning the role of Cu,Zn-SOD and other SOD enzymes as protective agents in reactions involving dioxygen metabolism, and the properties of Cu, Zn-SOD that make it an interesting biological ligand for physical studies of…

Describes a procedure for oxygen generation by thermal decomposition of potassium chlorate in presence of manganese dioxide, reacted with various sulfides. Provides a table of sample product yields for various sulfides. (JM)

Oxidation kinetics in metals and the role defects play in diffusion-controlled reactions are discussed as background for a junior/senior-level experiment in the physical or inorganic chemistry laboratory. Procedures used and typical data obtained are provided for the experiment. (JN)

Although a large number of experiments on aquation kinetics of inert octahedral complexes exist, few exist on the reverse (anation) reaction. Preliminary considerations and laboratory procedures for a kinetic study of the anation reaction are provided. Several pairs of students can complete the experiment in a three-hour period. (Author/JN)

Describes the descriptive inorganic chemistry component of a second year course in intermediate general chemistry at Sir Wilfred Grenfall College (Canada). Includes course content, listing of audiovisual aids, and discussion of textbooks used. (Author/JN)

Reviews major organic and inorganic chemicals, their products, and the sociocultural impact of the chemical industry. Provides the following learning activity components: objectives, list of materials and equipment, procedures, student quiz with answers, and three references. (SK)

Describes the development of the Division of Inorganic Chemistry, from the founding of the American Chemical Society in 1876, the formation of the Division in 1957, and recent events. Includes tables listing officers of the Division and symposia titles at national meetings. (YP)

Discusses mathematical shortcuts that can be used to estimate the pH of most aqueous solutions. (WRM)

Presents a simple qualitative system for sketching all manner of acid-base titration curves, requiring only the approximate values of the acid or base ionization constants. (WRM)

To assess the major sources of students' difficulties in qualitative analysis (QA), 51 grade 10 students (15 to 17 year old) from three secondary schools were interviewed. The results found that the major sources of students' difficulties in understanding QA are formation of precipitates, formation of complex salts and addition of acid.

Presents a mathematical and abstract approach to teaching the second law of thermodynamics in physical chemistry that is not used in any undergraduate physical chemistry text to date. (CW)

An approach is described in which accurate weighings are provided under circumstances when samples cannot be placed directly on a balance pan. The approach, based on external weighing, uses a new simple apparatus designed for any kind of analytical balance and not requiring a hole through the base of the balance. (JN)

Presents an experiment in which color is used as an additional characteristic when purifying and identifying crystals of two soluble salts obtained from a metathesis reaction. Indicates that the experiment has been used with both nonmajors and inorganic chemistry students in at least their third term. (JN)

The potassium salt is an easy product to synthesize in an introductory course on inorganic chemistry and the students are required to prepare this product in order to improve their laboratory skills and as an introduction to the synthesis of coordination compounds. The complex potassium tris (oxalato) ferrate (III) is used to illustrate the…

Several interesting and important examples of kinetic stability and kinetic control in organic systems are discussed. Audiovisual aids, lecture demonstrations, and laboratory activities that can be used to convey the material in a clear and stimulating fashion are also described. (JN)