LETTERS To the Editor: I am sure that my fellow inorganic chemists have been following closely the interesting controversy [TAIS JOURNAL, 41, 626 (1964)l over whether hydrogen or carbon is Top Element. I am equally sure that as inorganic chemists their sympathies lie on the side of nonorganic hydrogen. For organometallic chemists, the choice is less simple, hut for those of us inorganic chemists in fourth-group-element research the strain on our dual loyalties has become almost unbearable. I write therefore to suggest a way out for my colleagues by directing their attention to the modified;long form of the periodic table used by Professor R. T. Sanderson in his book ''Chemical Periodicity" (Reinhold, New York, 1960). [See also THIS JOURNAL, 33, 444 (1956).] Professor Sanderson says: Electroniedly it [hydrogen] may be placed. . . in both Groups IAandVIIA. Fromits more intermediate chemistry, however, a position nearer to the center of the table seems more appropriate...
Thus, as can he seen, with reference to the Sanderson chart, hydrogen joins carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead in Group IV-at the same time making secure the position of these elements as Top Group. Professor Goldwhite's gambit has been ployed.
To the Editor: As was previously mentioned in THIS JOURNAL,^ liquids which have a significant increase in vapor pressure between 2530°C may he forced out of a polyethylene squeeze bottle as the temperature rises. Puncturing the bottle near the top has been suggested as a way to relieve the vapor pressure. We find a further modification is convenient to avoid skin contact with the solvent or its vapor.
COP
Baffle
The figure shows how a 22-gauge stainless steel hypodermic needle, 11/4in. long, is pushed about '/z in. through the cap, next to the neck. This allows the vapor to escape whiie standing, but offers enough resistance to flow of the vapor to allow the squeeze bottle to be used successfully. For short term storage of ethyl ether a 17-gauge needle, 21/2 in. long, is more satisfactory.
HARBER, W. I., J. CIIEM.EDUC., 41. 653 (1964).
Simple Devices Aid Laboratory Efficiency
Sink strainer, mode of rtoinlerr steel expanded rheet 18in. verticol cylinder) and 4-in. swore-holed sheet.
Balance cover made of '/$-in. Lucite.
The accompanying photographs show several simple devices to improve the efficiency of operating a general chemistry laboratory. All are easily constructed at low cost. Readers desiring more details may inquire by corresponding with Wilbur L. Baker, Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta. 22, Georgia. Volume 42, Number
8, August 1965
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