Nitrogen Inversion

Submitted by Chip Nataro / Lafayette College on Tue, 01/26/2010 - 15:42
Is anyone out there in VIPEr-land tremendously skilled at measuring barriers to nitrogen inversion? I haven't done it before and I have a few compounds I would like to study. I will take references, suggestions, you name it. The more detail as to what I need to do the better. I've got some prelim data that suggests no significant line broadening or anything down to -60C. There don't appear to be any changes up to 50C. So, I fear I might run into some solvent issues. Any insight would be appreciated.
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Looking for collaborators with samples for magnetic susceptibility studies

Submitted by Tom Clayton / Knox College on Fri, 07/31/2009 - 15:21

Dear Inorganicers,

I've a physics colleague here at Knox College who needs samples to study.   Mark Shroyer presentlyhas a working SQUID magnetometer and is seeking NSF funding for aHe reclamation system to improve the cost effectiveness of the system(no more liq. He fills...).   Mark needs collaborators who'll agree tosend samples for magnetization studies (or other applications) once hereceives funding.  

 Thanks for any suggestions or for volunteers!

 Tom Clayton

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Finding time to write!

Submitted by Hilary Eppley / DePauw University on Thu, 07/23/2009 - 16:47
This post is prompted from a conversation with my CUR mentee, a relatively new faculty member who asked for advice on finding time to write. Though I am not necessarily the best role model for this, one thing that has worked for me (at least when I've been able to do it!) is a regular research writing session with a colleague, not a chemist, but another faculty member in a different discipline. Since our second year as faculty members, we set aside one afternoon per week to have lunch and then sequester ourselves away in the library or other out of the way place to write for the afternoon.
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Solvent Systems

Submitted by Chip Nataro / Lafayette College on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 11:01
A few years back, I purchased some Solv-Tek solvent purification systems.  They have since gone out of business (at least as far as I know).  My ether system is acting up.  I get plenty of pressure in but nothing out.  At the top of the second column there is a small filter which I have cleaned out by blowing nitrogen through (that was a trick I got from the company before they disappeared).  That trick didn't work.  There aren't too many other troubleshooting options that I am aware of, so I think I have to take the columns down and refill them.  I have some details on that procedure,
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Setting clear research expectations

Submitted by Joanne Stewart / Hope College on Tue, 05/05/2009 - 02:48

While most research students are a wonder and joy to behold, every so often one appears who seems to cause endless headaches. How do you deal with such a student, whether it's a thesis student or a summer research student?

Clear expectations (and consequences!) from the beginning can help. We send out a detailed letter to summer research students explaining the department expectations. I'll try to find a copy to post here.

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Dissertation Materials

Submitted by Cindy Luxford / Miami University on Tue, 01/27/2009 - 14:55
I am a first year graduate student, and I am trying to find a few good sources and ideas for my dissertation work.  I am interested in misconceptions in inorganic chemistry. As part of my project, I will be creating a new instrument that can be used in the classroom.  Right now, I am considering focusing on how students approach Lewis Dot structures for molecules beyond the octet rule or how to help students with 3D visualization of point group symmetry.  Does anyone know of any research or materials that might be helpful? Any comments or suggestions would be helpful!
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