This project will enhance significantly the chemistry education of undergraduate students at Pacific Lutheran University by providing hands-on experience with analytical techniques used in modern chemistry. Acquisition of a computer-controlled gas chromatograph/mass selective detector will enable students in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and undergraduate research to use the powerful combination technique of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for separation and identification of components of complex mixtures. The gas chromatograph acquired for this project will also be interfaced with a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer recently purchased by the Chemistry Department. The availability of GC/MS and GC/FTIR capability will provide gas chromatographic, mass spectral, and infrared data for the same sample, and will allow students to investigate more complex mixtures of compounds and "real world" problems.
