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2006
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February
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In the Laboratory
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Linking Laboratory Experiences to the Real World: The Extraction of Octylphenoxyacetic Acid from Water
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Jorge E. Loyo-Rosales and Alba Torrents
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
Georgina C. Rosales-Rivera
Area de Química, FES-Zaragoza, UNAM, Mexico, 09239, DF, Mexico
Clifford P. Rice
Environmental Quality Laboratory, ANRI, ARS/USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705
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February 2006
Vol. 83 No. 2
p. 248
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| Abstract |
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A laboratory experiment is presented that links several chemical concepts to the extraction of a water pollutant (octylphenoxyacetic acid, OPC) with a method used in actual research. A known quantity of the sodium salt of the OPC is dissolved in water, transformed to the acid (insoluble) form, and extracted using dichloromethane. These changes can be followed visually owing to conspicuous changes in solution turbidity. The experiment allows students to learn and apply basic experimental techniques such as the use of ordinary laboratory glassware (e.g., cylinders and pipets), analytical balance, a separatory funnel, and rotary evaporator; proper handling and disposal of strong acids and solvents; and the application of concepts such as acid–base reactions, stoichiometry, and solvent polarity. At the same time, it demonstrates a direct application of these concepts to a current research topic.
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| Supplement |
Instructions for the students and notes for the instructors are available.
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 Contents |
JCE2006p0248W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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| Download |
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| More Information |
Citation |
Loyo-Rosales, Jorge E.; Torrents, Alba; Rosales-Rivera, Georgina C.; Rice, Clifford P. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 248.
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Keywords |
Acids / Bases; Analytical Chemistry; Applications of Chemistry; Aqueous Solution Chemistry; Environmental Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Graduate Education / Research; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Laboratory Instruction; Nonmajor Courses; pH; Stoichiometry; Water / Water Chemistry
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
1/5/2006
1/9/2006
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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
2006
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February
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248
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