Facile Synthesis
of Foamed Solid Materials.
A selection of methods are described for the rapid, efficient and often
spectacularly exothermic synthesis of foamed solid materials. These methods
were discovered during a project on the purification of a range of unsaturated
esters, especially when substituted quinol or quinone impurities were removed.
When ejected material is carefully collected, near quantitative yields
are normally obtained.
ST, UK |
pp 195-198 |
Grignard initiation: careful
addition
vs "whack-it-all-in".
The paper discusses the relative difference in reactivities between
carefully initiated Grignard preparations, against those formed under slightly
more exothermic conditions. Special reference is made to emptying of ones
bladder before under taking such a reaction.
NG, UK |
pp 199-202 |
Never perform
EPR experiments on a Tuesday - fact or fiction?
The commonly acknowledged phenomenon that EPR never works on a Tuesday
is examined. A linear relationship was found between the need for results
on a Tuesday and the probability that the instrument will not work.
NJ, UK |
pp 203-204 |
Efficiency in Melting Point
Determinations.
Empirical calculations have shown that the efficiency of melting point
determinations may be vastly enhanced through a rapid temperature increase
followed by subsequent extrapolation of the actual melting point. Using
this technique, literally hours of boredom sat in front of a hot-block
may be avoided.
CS, UK |
pp 205-206 |
Ambient Temperature
Reactions: Perils and Pitfalls.
Detailed studies on a wide range of systems have shown that many reactions
which otherwise proceed efficiently without heating during the summer months
may require elevation to "room temperature" at colder times of the year.
Reactions employing dimethylsulfoxide as a solvent should be avoided
during the months October to April.
CS, UK |
pp 207-208 |
The Chemistry of the Laboratory
Bench Reviewed.
The varied and valuable chemistry of our surroundings is often overlooked
in the quest to further our knowledge of the properties of controlled reactions.
However, this three-year study has shown that interesting chemistry may
be carried out on bench tops, cupboards and fumehood walls. Included is
both a list of solvents for common laboratory apparatus and fittings, and
a procedure for the stepwise identification of archeologically interesting
bench top stains.
CS, UK |
pp 209-212 |
Quantum Tunnelling:
Particles in Sealed Glass Bottles.
Analysis of the vapour component of several chemical storage cupboards
led to the conclusion that quantum tunnelling effects act on the macroscopic
scale.
CS, UK |
pp 213-214 |
Sonic Catalysis in Organic
Synthesis.
A comparison of several techniques, ranging from playing classical
music in proximity to the apparatus, through to verbal abuse of the reaction,
are compared for effects on reaction yield and ease of product isolation.
Particularly interesting results with respect to enhancement of enantiomeric
excess are reported.
CS, UK |
pp 215-218 |
Quantitative
Determination of an Unknown Mass.
Near accurate estimation of the unladen mass of a round- bottomed flask
was effected with a pair of calipers and an appropriate conversion factor.
CS, UK |
pp 219-220 |
Budgeting for Research: a Research
Student's Guide.
Insufficient funding for academic research can lead to friction between
student and supervisor. However, facilities in more financially solvent
research groups can often meet the shortfall. Hints and tips on who to
make friends with and how are detailed herein.
CS, UK |
pp 221-222 |
Optimisation
of yields in organic synthesis - a guide for undergraduates.
The addition of sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate and mashed filter-paper
to the contents of submission vials in undergraduate organic synthesis
practicals is examined and recommendations made as to the most effective
way of ensuring the marker of your script believes you have achieved 90%
yield.
NJ, UK |
pp 223-226
Part I |
