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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > August  >
In the Laboratory
Synthesis of Chromophore-Labeled Polymers and Their Molecular Weight Determination Using UV–Vis Spectroscopy
Eric S. Tillman, Amanda C. Roof, Steven M. Palmer, Beth Ann Zarko, Caton C. Goodman, and Alissa M. Roland
Department of Chemistry, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Cover
August 2006
Vol. 83 No. 8
p. 1215
Abstract
This laboratory experiment is designed to allow undergraduate students to gain experience in polymer synthesis and characterization. Polystyrene quantitatively end-labeled with fluorene is produced via atom transfer radical polymerization run under a nitrogen atmosphere, using unpurified reagents and solvents. Molecular weight characterization of the polymers is performed using UV–vis spectroscopy, eliminating the need for specialized equipment such as gel permeation chromatography. Number average molecular weight values are obtained using Beer–Lambert's law, which is used to determine the molarity of fluorene-labeled polymers in THF solutions. These calculated values consistently agreed within 11% of molecular weights obtained using calibrated gel permeation chromatography systems, demonstrating the accuracy of the results. This laboratory exercise is suitable for undergraduate students in an organic or polymer chemistry course and requires no previous experience in polymer synthesis or characterization.
Supplement
Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
*  Contents JCE2006p1215W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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*  Citation
 Tillman, Eric S.; Roof, Amanda C.; Palmer, Steven M.; Zarko, Beth Ann; Goodman, Caton C.; Roland, Alissas M. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1215.
*  Keywords
 Alkenes; Free Radicals; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Polymer Chemistry; Polymerization; Reactions; Upper-Division Undergraduate; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 6/21/2006
6/30/2006
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