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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1999  > July  >
In the Laboratory
An Integrated Molecular Modeling and Melting Point Experiment for the Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Thomas Poon, Sheri A. Bodolosky, and Cynthia M. Norris
Randolph Macon College, Department of Chemistry, Ashland, VA 23005

Cover
July 1999
Vol. 76 No. 7
p. 983

Abstract
An introductory organic chemistry laboratory experiment that introduces students to the utility and caveats of computational chemistry is described. Molecular modeling software is used to determine the net dipoles and surface areas of six unknown solids. These and other noncomputational results are then correlated with data from melting point determinations of the unknowns. The exercise shows students that computational chemistry can be useful in predicting or explaining experimental results, but only when used judiciously and with the aid of chemical intuition.
More Information
*  Citation
Poon, Thomas; Bodolosky, Sheri A.; Norris, Cynthia M. J. Chem. Educ. 1999 76 983.
*  Keywords
Laboratory Instruction; Organic Chemistry; Computational Chemistry; Intermolecular Forces; Molecular Properties / Structure; Computer Assisted Instruction; Instrumental Methods
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
June 9, 1999
June 23, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 1999 > July > Page 983


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