We describe five laboratory modules, A through E, that can be completed in one 3-h laboratory period. Module A extracts the eggshell pigment from brown eggshells, module B identifies the pigment, using UVÀvis spectroscopy, as protoporphyrin IX by comparison of the spectrum with published data and quantifies it. Module C records the fluorescence spectrum of ABSTRACT: A simple and cost-effective laboratory experiment is described that extracts protoporphyrin IX from brown eggshells. The porphyrin is characterized by UVÀvis and fluorescence spectroscopy. A chemiluminescence reaction (peroxyoxalate ester fragmentation) is performed that emits light in the UV region. When the porphyrin extract is added as a fluor to this chemiluminescence reaction, an eye-catching deep red glow is emitted from the solution. Using a familiar object, an egg, the experiment touches upon many aspects in chemistry (natural products isolation, structure and photophysical properties of porphyrins, photochemistry). Focus is placed on the understanding of the optical properties of protoporphyrin that enable the final chemiluminescence experiment. This project is appropriate for upperlevel organic chemistry students, but might also serve in the advanced physical chemistry laboratory to facilitate a more detailed discussion of photophysical phenomena. Finally, the chemiluminescence experiment is suitable as an impressive stand-alone demonstration.

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A two-period organic laboratory experiment that includes fluorescence sensing is presented. The pH-sensitive sensor MorphFl is prepared using a Mannich reaction between a fluorescein derivative and the iminium ion of morpholine. During the first laboratory, students prepare MorphFl. The second session begins with characterizing the sensor using standard techniques, followed by using MorphFl to analyze the relative acidity of several unknown aqueous solutions. MorphFl absorbs visible and near-UV light and emits a bright green fluorescence in aqueous solutions at low pH. At high pH, the emission of MorphFl is quenched. This laboratory experiment is appropriate for demonstrating condensation reactions, electrophiles, absorbance and emission of light by organic molecules, frontier molecular orbitals, and fluorescent sensors to any undergraduate audience. The visual component of the fluorescence assay provides an exciting alternative to more traditional organic laboratory experiments.

The Graduate Student Symposium Planning Committee (GSSPC) is a Division of Chemical Education (CHED) sponsored initiative designed to promote graduate student-led programming at American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meetings and to provide an opportunity for graduate students to network with professionals inside and outside the ACS on a topic of student interest. Described here are general suggestions offered by the University of Connecticut's GSSPC (incorporating the collective wisdom of several GSSPC's) that affords critical information for future graduate student groups that wish to serve as a GSSPC, such as the planning, organization, and execution of an ACS National Meeting symposium.

Aminocarboxylic acids (hydrazinocarboxylic acids) and esters Q 0440 Fast, Easy, Solvent-Free, Microwave-Promoted Michael Addition of Anilines to α,β-Unsaturated Alkenes: Synthesis of N-Aryl Functionalized β-Amino Esters and Acids. -(AMORE, K. M.; LEADBEATER*, N. E.; MILLER, T. A.; SCHMINK, J. R.; Tetrahedron Lett. 47 (2006) 48, 8583-8586; Dep. Chem., Univ. Conn., Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Eng.) -Mais 12-087