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Techniques in Organic Chemistry, Part 2: Videotape
Abstract of Special Issue 22 Lois M. Browne and Karine Auclair Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2 Canada
This is the second part of Techniques in Organic Chemistry, a compilation of short video segments designed to teach the basic techniques (1,2) of organic chemistry to undergraduate university or college students. Produced by Lois M. Browne and several teaching assistants in chemistry at the University of Alberta, Techniques in Organic Chemistry uses a unique style to demonstrate different practical lab skills. The set is designed to help students envision the procedural steps of basic techniques of organic chemistry in a concise, visually interesting, engaging, and unequivocal way. Part 2 of Techniques in Organic Chemistry is a VHS videotape that contains approximately 60 minutes of video segments describing the following techniques: • • • • •
reflux: running reactions at constant temperature; using a separatory funnel; simple distillation; reduced pressure distillation; using the rotary evaporator.
Part 1, with five additional segments, was published previously (3). In Techniques in Organic Chemistry the emphasis is on the basic manipulative skills of the procedure. Each video segment is presented in a similar format. First, teaching assistants introduce the technical method and explain the underlying fundamental purpose. Next, the step-by-step procedure is detailed by “stage hands” as voice-over narration explains
Procedures are performed by “stage hands”—only the demonstrator’s hands and the equipment used are visible.
what is happening. In this section, only the equipment and the demonstrator’s hands are visible to stress the proper technique and setup of apparatus. Common technical errors are addressed. Throughout the video, colorful graphic illustrations reinforce the step-by-step procedure and provide the final review of the technical method. Other ways to perform these procedures exist and may be preferred. Students should be aware of options and should follow local preferences, understanding that there are fundamental steps associated with the proper handling of organic chemicals. A French version, Techniques de Chimie Organique (approximately 60 minutes), is included. Techniques de Chimie Organique is translated, narrated, and coproduced by Karine Auclair.
Each technique is introduced by a teaching assistant. Craig and Phil introduce a technique in English (left). Karine and Shirley provide the introduction in the French version (right).
JChemEd.chem.wisc.edu • Vol. 75 No. 8 August 1998 • Journal of Chemical Education
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Colorful graphics reinforce the techniques demonstrated and correct common technical errors.
A good separation (above) and an emulsion (below) in a separatory funnel—two frames from Techniques in Organic Chemistry, Part␣ 2.
Acknowledgments • • • • • •
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Stage Hands: Sandra L. Kenefick, Neal N. Fong, Minh N. Vo Graphic Illustrations: Marcia Anstee, Minh N. Vo Talent: Jon P. Carstensen, Timothy T. Van Vliet Script and Narration (English): Lois M. Browne, (French): Karine Auclair Camera and Editing: Video Masters Multimedia Productions Inc. (Durekt Productions) Technical Consultants: Craig J. Railton, Philip L. Wickens, Larry Coulson, Todd DeMone, Ronald J. Gardner, Karine Auclair, and Shirley A. Wacowich Funding: University Teaching Research Fund and the Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta.
Hardware and Software Requirements This videotape requires an NTSC VHS videocassette player and a color video monitor such as a television set. A large-screen monitor or a video projection device may be desirable. Literature Cited 1. Lehman, J. W. Operational Organic Chemistry, 2nd Ed., Allyn and Bacon, 1981. 2. Harwood, L. M., Moody, C. J. Experimental Organic Chemistry, Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1989. 3. Browne, L. M.; Auclair, K. Techniques in Organic Chemistry, Part 1, J. Chem. Educ. Software, 1998, SP20.
Journal of Chemical Education • Vol. 75 No. 8 August 1998 • JChemEd.chem.wisc.edu
