The acquisition of a gas chromatograph and infrared spectrophotometer has provided both first and second-year chemistry students with new experiences in instrumental analysis. Concepts that previously were addressed through computer laboratory simulation are now incorporated into specific laboratory experiments. Students in organic chemistry are first introduced to gas chromatography as they separate a mixture of 2- propanol and cyclohexane mixture; subsequently they analyze a product mixture after halogenation of an alkylbenzene. Finally both of the instruments are used in the characterization of a product after its prior isolation, and in updating the qualitative organic analysis experience as instrumental methods supplant or complement wet methods. A GC experiment involving the identification of the transesterified fatty acids derived from common cooking oils has been added to the laboratory of the Principles of Chemistry - Organic & Biochemistry sequence to complement experiments that demonstrate three other major chromatographic techniques. Highly motivated students in the General Chemistry I-II sequence use the instruments as they choose a special laboratory experiment to carry out as they complete their final semester of the sequence. The institution has contributed to the project an amount equal to the NSF funds.
