Microscale Gas Chemistry I. An Introductory Workshop (presented 9:30 - 12:30, Monday, July 31, 2000; registration required)

Bruce Mattson and Michael Anderson, Dept. of Chemistry, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska 68178 USA, Susan Mattson, Underwood High School, Underwood, Iowa 51576 USA

Abstract:

      Learn to safely and conveniently generate eleven different gases for classroom and laboratory use with simple, inexpensive plasticware such as 60-mL disposable syringes.  Many of the gases, including hydrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, ethyne, ammonia, nitrogen, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are well-suited for microscale laboratory activities for high school and college level chemistry students.  Detailed instructions allow for the safe generation of all gases including several of which would normally not be generated in lab or class.  The latter include sulfur dioxide, chlorine and hydrogen sulfide.  They are easily prepared but best-suited for classroom demonstrations and not student activities.  During this workshop participants will receive, as part of their registration fee, a gas generation kit and a 340-page book describing the preparation of each of the eleven gases and over 70 experiments that can be done with the gases (a $48 value from Flinn Scientific).  Participants will practice and master the technigues of gas-generation using syringes and will perform at approximately fifteen different experiments using gas-filled syringes.  A number of spectacular demonstrations will also be presented.  See Microscale Gas Chemistry II. An Intermediate Workshop for additional opportunities.
 

 

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Microscale Gas Chemistry II. An Intermediate Workshop.  (presented 2:00 - 5:00, Monday, July 31, 2000; registration required)

Bruce Mattson and Michael Anderson, Dept. of Chemistry, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska 68178 USA, Susan Mattson, Underwood High School, Underwood, Iowa 51576 USA
 

Abstract:

 This workshop is intended for those who have completed the Introductory Workshop (at BCCE-16 or earlier) or have experience with gas-generation in large syringes (from the series in Chem13 News, for example).  Learn to safely and conveniently generate HCl, CO, C2H4, CH4, and SiH4 using an alternate technique.  Generation of and experimentation with most of these gases (HCl, CO, C2H4, and CH4) is suitable for high school teachers and students on up.  Generation of and experimentation with SiH4 is suited for demonstration use only.  Detailed instructions allow for the safe generation of these six gases.  During this workshop participants will receive a book describing the preparation of each gas along with a series of experiments that can be done with the gases.  Participants will practice and master the technigues of gas-generation using syringes and this alternate technique and will perform at a number of different experiments using gas-filled syringes.

 

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Abstract of Paper (presented as part of Historical and Philosophical Perspectives on Chemistry, Wednesday afternoon, August 2, 2000, 2 - 5 pm):

ON AIRS - A SLIGHTLY IRREVERENT HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE GREAT GAS CHEMISTS

Bruce Mattson, Department of Chemistry, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178

Abstract:

      Priestley, Black, Cavendish, Scheele, Lavoisier.  They called themselves 'pneumaticists' and theirs was a world of 'airs'.  Of nary an air did they not care.  Off the job, they wore funny clothes and lived curious lifestyles.  On the job, they toiled to understand the dozen or more gases they discovered with names such as 'fixed air', 'dephogisticated air', and 'inflammable air.'  During the second half of the eighteenth century, they built entire laboratories dedicated to the study of their airs.  They invented ingenious techniques with which to generate, collect and study airs.  They tried the airs on mice, plants, bugs, laboratory assistants and even themselves!  But despite their substantial laboratory accomplishments, the actual chemical identities of these airs remained a complete mystery until the very end of the century.  Even then, several pneumaticists refused to abandon their old paradigm for their chemical world, the phlogiston theory, and went to their graves untroubled by the truth.  The story of these early days of gas chemistry is interesting and important.  It spans much of the 18th century and serves as an example of how an accepted and popular theory can shape and misguide understanding and investigation.  It is also a story in which the chemical behavior of the gases eventually allowed the genius of one person to first postulate the precepts of modern chemistry as we know them even to this day.  Note: This light-hearted historical review may offend the sensibilities of purists of historical chemistry.  Viewer discretion is advised.
 
 
 

Photos from our Microscale Gas Workshops, Monday, July 31, 2000:

"It's simple.  You'll all be making gas in the next few minutes!"

Getting Started...

Hard at Work...

Success!!!  Syringes Up!

I dunno?

Is this syringe 'hydrogen' or 'oxygen'?

Two new 'gas chemists' show off their accomplishments.

"Do you see anything happening?"

"LeChatelier would have loved this!"

"5...4...3...2...1...Blast Off!"

A gaggle of gas guys.