Coordination Polymers and Networks of Phosphorous/Nitrogen Cage Ligands with Copper Chloride

by Eric Leser

Advisor: Dr. Roger D. Sommer

The phosphorus nitrogen ligand closo-tetraphosphorus hexamethylimide was reacted with cuprous chloride in stoichiometric ratios ranging from 4:1 ligand:metal down to 1:4 ligand to metal. Observations of the solubility trends in these experiments provides insight into the coordination chemistry of the P4(NCH3)6 cage. Two approaches for modifying the structure of reaction products were explored: addition of terminating ligands and substation of non-coordinating anions for chloride. X-ray crystallographic studies show both strategies have a dramatic effect on the solid state structure and solubility of the products.

Implications of POGIL in an Introductory Chemistry Course for Non-science Majors: Impact on Student Attitudes and Performance

by Leanne Marcus

Advisor: Dr. Nithya Rajan

This study describes the effects of implementing the Process Oriented Guided-Inquiry Learning (POGIL) strategy in an introductory chemistry class for non-science majors. Student attitudes and learning outcomes were compared between a traditionally taught section and POGIL implemented section. Results indicated that students in the POGIL group: a) ended with significant positive attitudes pertinent to the collaborative nature of the POGIL strategy, b) did not report any perceived gains in conceptual knowledge, problem solving, or critical thinking skills, c) performed consistently better than their peers in the traditional format in overall content assessments. Results from this study imply that POGIL method had significant positive learning outcomes despite students’ resistance to its approach.

Optical Properties of Water/Oleic Acid Aerosols

by Shannon McGinty

Advisor: Dr. Richard F. Niedziela

Most aerosols found throughout the atmosphere are made from many different compounds. Knowledge of their size, shape, and optical properties is important with regard to understanding the chemistry they participate in and how they interact with electromagnetic radiation. Our laboratory has been involved in developing methods to determine such properties based on the analysis of infrared extinction spectra of model multi-component aerosols. In this presentation we report on the optical characteristics of aerosols made from two immiscible liquid substances, namely oleic acid and water. We retrieve information on particle size and coat thickness directly from aerosol extinction spectra. This type of method can also be incorporated into remote sensing methods to determine chemical composition of the matter in the air in situ, thus allowing for the analysis of the structure and relative abundance of these types of particles in the atmosphere.

Applications of Montmorillonite K10 Clay in Organic Reactions

by Dominic Pileggi

Advisor: Dr. Matthew R. Dintzner

Montmorillonite K10 clay was found to successfully catalyze the reactions of aldehydes with a variety of substrates, including dienes, other aldeydes, and allyl silanes. The corresponding cyclization or addition products were generated in good to excellent yields. For these transformations, Montmorillonite K10 clay provides an environmentally friendly alternative to the more traditional (Lewis acid) catalysts, further demonstrating its enormous potential in organic synthesis.

Studies Toward The Formation of Homoallylic Alcohols

by Elizabeth Sisler

Advisor: Dr. Quinetta D. Shelby

Homoallylic alcohols are very useful in the synthesis of biological products like pharmaceuticals and can be formed through the reaction between allylsilanes and aldehydes. Initially, my research focused on testing palladium catalysts containing an aromatic P~O fluoro ligand, which requires a multi-step synthesis, and finding the best catalytic conditions to promote the reaction between aldehydes and allylsilanes. Our studies have found that the aldehyde and allylsilane are reacting; it is possible that the alcohol was present, but only in a very small amount. Recently, my focus has shifted to testing catalytic reactions using an aliphatic P~O ligand.

Impact Triggered Fires at the End-Pliestocene

by Adrienne Stich

Advisor: Dr. Wendy S. Wolbach

The End-Pleistocene refers to a time period roughly 13,000 years ago that witnessed the extinction of over 30 North American land mammals including the woolly mammoth. Previous studies have found traces of extraterrestrial matter indicating that a meteor impact may have occurred during this time period. This research seeks to determine if an impact could have resulted in wide spread fires that resulted in animal extinction.