Gas Chromatography/mass spectroscopy is being integrated into the undergraduate laboratory experience. Current literature in analytical chemistry reveal a growing dependence upon GC/MS techniques, especially in the areas of Environmental Protection Agency priority pollutant analysis and in the rapidly expanding field of drug analysis. Exposure to such a system at the undergraduate level would be an advantageous introduction to advanced methods of chemical analysis. In particular, the Ion Trap System available from Finnigan MAT is being employed. This recently introduced instrument has several potential advantages for use at the undergraduate level including increased durability and lower maintenance than corresponding quadrupole or magnetic sector mass spectrometers and simplified operation through complete computer control. These factors are of primary importance for the undergraduate laboratory where the system is subjected to users with varying degrees of competence. The department has recently converted the organic laboratory to microscale which results in an inherent dependence upon advanced instrumentation for analysis. The high selectivity and sensitivity of the GC/MS system is ideally suited for microscale analysis and the Ion Trap System is being incorporated into the sophomore year organic chemistry for analysis of student prepared compounds. Additionally, the instrument is being employed in junior year analytical chemistry for the separation and analysis of multicomponent mixtures and for an introduction to computer controlled instrumentation through programming in FORTH language. The instrument is also becoming an integral part of the strong research program, allowing more efficient utilization of the instrument with year-round use. The grantee is matching the award from non-Federal sources.
