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Dividends from Analysis
in research is a combination of many forces working toward a common objective. The greatest single unit, of course, is the research team. On an important project a member of this team is usually a research analyst whose responsibility it is t o n-ork out methods of analysis and anticipate, if possible, after studying the project, what methods will be required as the research develops. If it is likely t o develop into a process, he must have ready when needed the analytical methods for quality control and assay in the plant. To do such an assignment effectively, the research analyst must study all the chemical phases of the research and the final objectives to be reached. Such a person jsinanescellent position not only t o contribute analytical methods aiid results but in some cases t o make suggestions on approaches t o the solution of the problem itself. We have seen several examples of such contributions in our own experience, and we know of others who have witnessed or been part of similar contributions. General examples will serve to illustrate the type of contribution which can result from analytical research. 'L-CCESS
1 In preparing an analytical standard of an organic material, in the process development stage it was found that a series of extractions was the best method of preparing a standard of adequate purity. In the process development purification was one of the problems, and the experience and method used in preparing the analytical standard were the basis of purification in plant process. 2. -4quantitative method of analysis for residual starting material in an organic product was devised. The method involved converting the residual starting material to the product. The reaction, being quantitative, proved to be an ideal reaction for a process. 3. A fractionation method was developed to characterize an organic material analytically and proved to be the best way to process it in the plant. 4. In the study of pickle liquor neutralization, a faster method than the conventional one to determine total sulfate was required. It was found that adding an excess of standard caustic to the sample and boiling converted the precipitated iron to magnetic oxide which could be easily filtered off and cut down substantially the time required per determina-
tion. As one of the problems in pickle liquor tlisposal in~ o l r e dobtaining a piecipitate which would settle or filter rapidly, the lead obtained from the analytical study was followed in investigating the possibility of treating the liquor with other alkaline materials. This study resulted in developing a process which is in commercial plant operation. 5. A method using bisulfite was used to deteimine aldehydes in an organic compound. The free aldehyde present in the product was objectionable and was removed by the extraction using the bisulfite, and so an important contribution to the process of manufacture was made. 6. On running purity assays on an organic material by the freezing point method, it was discovered that the material formed a crystalline hydrate. Further study revealed that crystallization of this material yielded the desired material in high purity. 7 . Problems involving the determination of the structure of organic compounds are necessarily a study of degradation and synthesis, in which interesting reactions are encountered which suggest interesting academic and practical research studies. Undoubtedly there are many examples t h a t others could cite, but these serve to show the potentiality for process development growing out of research on analytical procedures. T o realize this potentiality, the analytical members of the team must be alert t o their responsibilities aiid be looking for phenomena which can be applied t o the various phases of the problem's solution. To be successful the research analyst must have as good a grasp, if not better, of the chemistry involved than any other member of the team. This is a high standard t o maintain, but it is worth it for the professional satisfaction and growth of the research analyst. The company t h a t encourages such a n alert approach and has such quality of personnel on its staff will reap the reward of better and quicker solution t o its research and plant problems. The challenge t o the universities is t o attract and train outstanding men for such positions. Such men are in demand, and they will learn that the problems involved offer some of the most interesting and intellectually rewarding careers which can be found,
L. T.H.4LLETT Science Editor
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