Author Archives: alan

The Right Kind of Practice

Posted on October 8, 2016 by alan

What single thing must you do to learn organic chemistry? Sam and I have given you the answer several times: practice solving problems. But is that all you have to do? Can you just open the book to a problem, … finish reading The Right Kind of Practice

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SN2 Reaction Animation

Posted on October 7, 2016 by alan

Predicting the outcome of an “opposite side attack” SN2 reaction can be confusing at first, but animations can help. Check out the SN2 animation at chemtube3D.com. To operate the animation, find the drawing of the chemical reaction and click on … finish reading SN2 Reaction Animation

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Models for Learning about Electrostatic Potential Maps

Posted on October 2, 2016 by alan

The models you need can be downloaded here: ions321inter.spartan neutrals321inter.spartan

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Ethanol IR models

Posted on September 19, 2016 by alan

Click on the link to download a Spartan EDF2/6-31G** model of ethanol monomer and ethanol dimer. The models have been combined in a single file (a ‘list’ model) and they already contain calculated IR spectra, so do not replace them … finish reading Ethanol IR models

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Study, study, study? Take a Tonematrix break

Posted on September 17, 2016 by alan

Computers – source of endless entertainment or endless drudgery? A little of both, right. Why not turn your computer into a mood enhancer by making some music with the Tonematrix audio tool. 2 minutes will put you in another world. And who knows? … finish reading Study, study, study? Take a Tonematrix break

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Vaux Swift Watch 2016

Posted on August 31, 2016 by alan

This post has nothing to do with o chem, but you have a long weekend ahead of you and I don’t want you miss something really special: the swarming and roosting of 5000+ small Vaux swifts in the Chapman School … finish reading Vaux Swift Watch 2016

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Lab Grades

Posted on December 28, 2015 by alan

Nearly all of the lab reports have been graded so you can expect to see graded lab reports turning up in your inbox over the next week or so. The lab reports contain three grades: notebook, lab work, report. 99+% … finish reading Lab Grades

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Preparing for EsCENTial Oil lab – weeks 2 & 3

Posted on November 15, 2015 by alan

This lab experiment lasts 3 weeks. Students finished varying amounts of lab work during the first week so planning the remaining work is a little complicated. I’ve written up a two-page set of instructions to guide you. Please read this … finish reading Preparing for EsCENTial Oil lab – weeks 2 & 3

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Brainwaves & Anesthetics

Posted on October 23, 2015 by alan

General anesthetics, the chemicals that temporarily ‘put you under,’ have transformed surgery, but doctors and scientists are still learning how these chemicals work. 

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The Molecules in Your Pumpkin

Posted on October 16, 2015 by alan

I saw this article (C&ENews, 12 Oct 2015, p. 38) about the molecules that make Halloween pumpkins look and taste and smell the way they do:

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