PittConn 2019
Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants Program
...form the PittConn website...
The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (a Pennsylvania non-profit Corporation) and its co-sponsoring technical societies, The Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and The Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) proudly announce the 2020 Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grants (PCMNCG) Program.
Grants will be awarded to small college science departments for the purchase of scientific equipment, audio-visual or other teaching aids, and/or library materials for use in the teaching of science at the undergraduate level.
The amount requested in each proposal may not exceed $10,000. Submission deadline is October 31, 2019.
2020 Proposal
Monmouth College's Chemistry Department has made the commitment to the ACS 12 green chemistry principles. Our program has signed the Green Chemistry Commitment (BeyondBenign.com) [REF] and will utilize these resources to guide the implementation of these principles throughout our curriculum. As a part of this initiative, we have begun to explore the use of microwave synthesis technologies in our organic chemistry course and research activities. All chemistry and biochemistry students take a 1-year organic course and a 1-year research experience; many biology/pre-professional students take these courses as well. ~60 students each year will be impacted by this new microwave synthesis initiative.
We propose to purchase an Anton-Paar Monowave 400 unit (~$25k, request $10k with $15k match). This instrument will be used in conjunction with our suite of analytical instruments to contribute to the implementation of this smaller, faster synthesis technique.
Use in Organic Chemistry
A during the 2019 MACTLAC conference at St. Catherine's University, Anton-Paar, in conjunction with the St. Kate's Organic Professor Jame W. shares a collection of 5 organic chemistry lab activities that contrast conventional and microwave synthesis techniques. The synthesis of cinnamic acid derivatives by Pellon, et al. (2000) [REF] highlights the early use of the microwave synthesis technique. Professor W. has adapted this lab activity for use with the Anton-Paar Monowave 400 instrument; products are evaluated using NMR analysis.
Other lab activities involve:
- - Nitration of Phenol, using Silica column and TLC chromatography. [REF]
- - Fischer Esterification: Synthesis of Flavorings and Scents, using GC and NMR analysis [REF]
- - Base Bulkiness Effects on Elimination of 2-Bromoheptane, using GC analysis [REF]
- - Microwave Assisted Diels-Alder Reaction, using NMR, GC, and IR analysis [REF]
- - Synthesis of Chalcone and Avobenzone, using NMR anaysis [REF]
Use in Physical Chemistry
Many organic reactions are done in constant pressure (open) systems reactors. The microwave synthesis uses a constant volume (closed) system. The Anton-Paar Monowave 400 instrument monitors/displays the reaction temperature, pressure, and input energy.
Use in Research Activities
Synthesis of Lignin Monomers.
Dimerization of Biological Relevant Phenols.