Special Projects for the Physical Chemistry Laboratory Numerous experiments have been employed as special projects in undergraduate chemistry laboratories. However, not enough attention has been directed toward special projects for the physical chemistry laboratory. From time to time a t the University of Sout.hern Mississippi we have found it useful to complete a more timely listing of such projects. As a result t,he following topies, with associated comments, are offered for use as special projects. (1) ChemicalKinetiesin theHydrolysis of Ethyl Acetate. a) The use of D1O, DCI, and deuterium-labeled products allow excellent nmr studies to be made. This data, coupled with infrared data, allows transition state calculations. b) Under proper canditiom a potential energy surface for t,his reactiou may he eonstructed from thenmr data. (2) Photolysis of an Oxalate System Using Uranyl Nitrate as t,he Energy Transfer Agent,. may be a ) The light, wavelength can be varied and the m e of different photocataly~t~s pursued. b) The effect. of solvents (ranging from aqumua to no11-polar organic solvents) ooon the ohotocatalvst can also be studied. The nature of the influence of the lieand species o n i h e enerGtransfer characteristics of the uranyl ion may he explored. (Coleman 115). (3) Hydrogen Bonding Studies Using an Average Molecular Weight A p p a r a t , ~ Some suggested systems are: acetic acid in water; bensoic acid in bensene; mixed systems in benzene. ltesults can he compared to hydrogen bonding resnlbs oht,ained using an nmr. and Diborane in St,ruet,ural Comparison (4) Infrared Spectra of Ethaue,. Et,hylene, Acetylene, ~. Studi~. The infrared spectra in the gas phrwe can be used t,o look at. c.hemieal bonding in syst,ems possessing different electron demities. ( 5 ) The Pyrolysis of Diborane as a Function of Temperat,ure and Preswre Using a High Vacuum Appmatus. (6) Polywater. a) DTA-TGA, molecular weight, freezing point depression, etc. can be used for the illvestigation. b) Some references are: Sciace News, 94, 615 (1968); Discussia Faradag Soc., 42, 110 (1966&Pictures of apparatus in both of the above references; Nature, 222, 159 (1969); Chem. Eng. News, 47 (No. 171, 39 (lY69); Science, 167, 51 and 171 (1970); Science News, 97,15 (1970). ~
The authors would appreciate comments concerning results in order that s detailed evaluatio~i may be completed. WILLIAMCAREYC ~ L L E Q E H n r r r ~ s e n ~ MISSISSIPPI Q, 39401 OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY HATTIESBURG, MISS~SSIPPI 39401
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Journal o f Chemical Education
ROSEG. WEST
JAMES W. PINSUN
