Implementation of an Environmental Focus in an Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum by the Addition of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The Department Chemistry and Physics at Western Carolina University has added an environmental focus to its curriculum, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was identified as an essential tool in environmental analysis. GC-MS is used in undergraduate chemistry courses in: (i) the identification of synthesized compounds and natural products, (ii) monitoring compounds and their degradation in the environment, and (iii) analytical method development. In Organic Chemistry, the GC-MS is used to characterize natural products and the products of an environmentally benign chemical synthesis. In Environmental Chemistry, the GC-MS is used to identify compounds of environmental interest, such as pesticides in soil samples, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, and hydrocarbons in gasoline samples. In Instrumental Analysis I, students characterize numerous compounds in cigarette smoke using GC-MS. In Instrumental Analysis II, students are presented with an analytical chemistry problem for which they research protocols, collect samples, and perform the analyses. The GC-MS has been used to identify volatile compounds in a number of complex mixtures. Also, research in chemistry is a significant part of our curriculum, and numerous undergraduate students have used the GC-MS in their research. The addition of GC-MS has enhanced many of our undergraduate laboratory courses and student-led research projects.

Comparing Carbonyl Chemistry in Comprehensive Introductory Organic Chemistry Textbooks

“…Reactions of carbonyl compounds and organic chemistry generally are pertinent to many scientific fields, such as petroleum chemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, and medical professions . Chemistry at a carbonyl group, or at a molecular site that is activated by a carbonyl group, is the basis of many important reactions in organic chemistry.…”

Peer Reviewed: Environmental chemistry in the undergraduate laboratory

“…Assigned work ranges from two-week exercises to semester-long projects in a senior-level instrumental analysis laboratory. Environmental learning experi-ences such as these are now part of a departmentwide theme at the university (18). Lab work emphasizes green synthesis, molecular modeling of environmentally significant compounds, a field station monitoring project at a nearby stream, and projects that analyze environmentally important chemicals.…”

Introducing Students to Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Determination of Kerosene Components in a Complex Mixture

“…With increasing availability of GC–MS instruments, this Journal has reported several laboratory experiments that incorporate GC–MS in the laboratory. For example, GC–MS can identify and quantify components of coffee samples, water contaminants, , scent components in perfumes, , and volatile components in plants and fuels. , In some schools, GC–MS is part of the official undergraduate laboratory curriculum. − This shows that the technique is widely accepted as integral to the students’ learning experience.…”