edited bv
TIMCHAMPION Johnson C. Smith University Charlohe. NC 28216
tips The Safety Frame-up William J. Layden and Julian M. Dust Sir Wilfred Grenfell College Memorial University of ~ewfoundland Corner Brook. NF Canada A2H 6P9
Recent interest has been shown in the conversion of commonplace articles into ad hoc laboraton equipment. For example, jam jars have been suggested for useas containers for the elution of qualitative thin-layer chromatograms ( I ) . Details for the construction of a buret storage rack from household polyvinyl chloride water pipe also have been reported (2). Most recently, a n ingenious igniter based upon a salvaged barbecue starter has been described (3).In a broader context. then. these reports can be viewed as examples of recycling, a n &ea of intkrest to us (4). Our desire to promote laboratory safetv . (5). . in this case in undergraduate project labs a i d during summer research, had led us to adopt an idea that is in use in maduate research laboratorie8.l In brief, inexpensive p;lystyrene picture frames ( 4 in. x 6 in.) were purchased and the notice shown (see figure) inserted. ~ h students k are required to place these framed notices in front of any reflux assembly, distillation, or flaskin which a reaction is underway. In water-washable marker the student can then write hisher name and telephone number on the transparent
'This method of notificationis used in the graduate laboratories of E. Buncel, Queen's University, Kingston, ON.
REACTION IN PROGRESS NAME: PHONE #: REACTION CHEMICALS ARE: [ ] Unstable [
1 Toxic
[ ] Flammable [ ] Corrosive
[ ] Air-sensitive
cover of the picture frame. The insert follows with a checklist including the nature of the chemicals being used and the methods that would be effective in extinguishing a fire, if one were to occur. Clearly, the list can he modified to include other chemical propkrties (e.g., stench, radioactive etc.) and the phone numbers of local hospitals, police, or fire departments, as well as the number at which the supervisory faculty member could be reached. When one experiment is completed the picture frame is simply wiped clean with a damp paper towel. When another reaction is set up the new information is recorded. In this way, safety is 'kept in the picture". Literature Cited 1. Ali, Z ; Mazhar, M . J Cham. Edue 1981 68,593. 2. Williarna, H.P. J. Chem. Edvc 1992 69,1013. 3. Bmuwer, H.J. Chm. Edue. 1993. 70,329. 4. Ellsworth. W.: Dust.J. M. C h m 13Nelus I991 (Dec.l.208.2. 5. Rawer-Csnhsm, 0 ; Layden,W. J. Coll Sci. Teaching 1989,18,33&333
Prevent the Loss of Volatile Solvents in Rotary Evaporators with a Simple Device Daan van Leusen Groningen Center for Catalysis and Synthesis Department of Chemistry Groningen University Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
Rotarv evaporators are in dailv use in ~racticallvall chemistry ladoratories and in many other labs as web for the rapid removal of oraanic solvents. Normallv, these evaporkors are equipped with a water-cooled condenser for solvent recovery, either for reuse or for controlled destruction. When water aspirators are used, considerable amounts of solvent, especially more volatile solvents, are lost down the drain, due to insufficient condensing capacity For example, the removal of dichloromethane (bp 40 'C) by evaporation a t 35 T, results in a loss of over 30%. With diaphragm pumps, as much as 70% of dichloromethane is lost through the hood when no special precautions are taken (entry 1of the table). Today, such losses of solvent are unacceptable environmental hazards and in many countries are prohibited by government regulations. The common ways to reduce such losses are cumbersome
[ ] Lachrymatory (Tear-gas) [
1
IN CASE OF FIRE USE: [ ]Sand
[ ]Water
[ ] C02 extinguisher [
1
Safety notice placed in frame.
54
Journal of Chemical Education
Figure 1. Rotary evaporator.
