This project is increasing interest in and understanding of the practice of chemistry among both majors and non-majors through the incorporation of several new experiments into the curriculum which employ FT-IR spectroscopy. The early introduction to the actual practice of chemistry through broader use of modern instrumentation is expected to attract additional students to major in chemistry and generate more scientifically literate non-science college graduates. Additionally, new experiments are being developed that include the application of FTIR methods for environmental pollution monitoring, polymer analysis and structure determinations of organometallic and coordination compounds.
