Computer-Controlled Spectrometers in Undergraduate Chemistry

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This addresses curricular needs by designing experiments to use computer-controlled spectrophotometric instrumentation in the undergraduate laboratory at all levels, for both majors and nonmajors. This enables students to receive the desired exposure to these methods through hands-on use. Two different types of spectrometer are being used. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) instruments are being used heavily in organic chemistry and to a lesser extent in analytical chemistry courses. The second type is a modernized emission spectrophotometer based on an existing spectrophotofluorimeter. This is being used for emission measurements in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. This spectrometer also serves as a detector in a Raman spectroscopy experiment. The fluorescence spectrometer is being used mostly in general, physical, and analytical chemistry laboratories. Both types of spectrometer allow ready spectral subtraction and database searching and bring the advantages of signal averaging and easy manipulation of spectra. The fluorescence data system also allows the determination of kinetic parameters from time-varying data Both types of instrument are being integrated into the laboratory courses serving chemistry and chemical engineering majors at all levels from general chemistry to senior research.