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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > October  >
In the Laboratory
A Polymer in Everyday Life: The Isolation of Poly(vinyl alcohol) from Aqueous PVA Glues. An Undergraduate Chemistry Experiment
Yueh-Huey Chen
Department of Nature Science Education, National Hualien University of Education, Taiwan, ROC

Jing-Fun Yaung
Department of Food Science, National Kinmen Institute of Technology, Taiwan, ROC

Cover
October 2006
Vol. 83 No. 10
p. 1534

Abstract
In this article, we present a simple undergraduate chemistry laboratory involving the polymers commonly used in everyday life and the IR spectroscopy for functional groups identification. The polymer contained in the PVA glue is further hydrolyzed to poly(vinyl alcohol) in dilute aqueous solution via the base hydrolysis of the acetate groups. The IR spectra of three related polymers, the poly(vinyl acetate) in white glue, the PVA in the aqueous PVA glue, and the resulting PVA, are recorded. The differences in these spectra are rationalized with the molecular structures of the polymers.
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Citation
Chen, Yueh-Huey; Yaung, Jing-Fun. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1534.
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Keywords
Applications of Chemistry; Aqueous Solution Chemistry; Esters; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; IR Spectroscopy; Laboratory Instruction; Molecular Properties / Structure; Organic Chemistry; Polymer Chemistry; Second-Year Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
8/23/2006
8/28/2006
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Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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