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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2009  > May  >
In the Laboratory
Experiments for the Undergraduate Laboratory That Illustrate the Size-Exclusion Properties of Zeolite Molecular Sieves
Jason Cooke and Eric J. Henderson
Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
Cover
May 2009
Vol. 86 No. 5
p. 606

Abstract
Experiments are presented that demonstrate the size-exclusion properties of zeolites and reveal the reason for naming zeolites "molecular sieves". If an IR spectrometer is available, the adsorption or exclusion of alcohols of varying sizes from dichloromethane or chloroform solutions can be readily demonstrated by monitoring changes in the intensity of the alcohol OH band in the IR spectra. It is also possible to qualitatively illustrate whether solvents of varying sizes are able to enter the pores of different zeolites by observing the displacement of adsorbed nitrogen gas from within the pores. The volume of evolved gas is considerable and can be measured if desired.

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Instructions for the students; Notes for the instructor
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Citation
Cooke, Jason; Henderson, Eric J. J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 606.
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Keywords
Alcohols; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Inorganic Chemistry; IR Spectroscopy; Laboratory Instruction; Physical Properties; Second-Year Undergraduate; Separation Science; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
3/17/2009
4/1/2009
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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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