Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Undergraduate Chemistry Instruction

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Through this project, the institution was able to purchase a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. A central theme is the improvement of students' understanding of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry. In the first semester Organic Chemistry, GC/MS helped to introduce the concept of carbocation stability. In the second semester, GC/MS was used to analyze the stereochemistry of addition reactions that form threo- or erythro-bromo- deuteriobutane and the subsequent base-promoted elimination reactions of these stereoisomers. Such difficult concepts are seldom addressed in conventional organic laboratory due to the lack of proper instrumentation. In Physical Chemistry the GC/MS is being used to determine kinetic isotope effects and stereochemistry for gas-phase syn-elimination of the previously prepared deuterated bromobutanes. The Instrumental Chemistry course is emphasizing technique, operation of the instrument, its capabilities and interpretation of spectra. In Environmental Chemistry GC/MS is helping demonstrate detection and quantification of organic contaminants in ground water. Many students find the GC/MS vital to their undergraduate research projects. Through more sophisticated experiments the GC/MS is improving instruction in Organic, Physical, Instrumental, and Environmental Chemistry courses. The institution contributed to this project in an amount equal to the NSF funds.