26Feb 2013 by Vincent Summers 1 Comment

On the Nature of the Chemical Bond

Chemistry
[caption id="attachment_3393" align="alignright" width="440"] Proline - Ball and Stick Model CCA 2.5 by Peter Murray-Rust.[/caption] Atoms combine to form molecules. Atom A approaches atom B and cohesively attaches to it. Molecule AB is held together by a chemical bond.¹ That bond is written A–B,  or in the case of multiple bonds, A=B, A≡B, etc. Factors in Bond Formation The primary bonding agency is electrostatic force. This is the force between electrical charges. A positive charge is due to a lack of one or more electrons, producing cations. A negative charge is due to an excess of electrons, producing anions. One of the simplest examples is the formation from sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) of ordinary table salt, sodium chloride (NaCl).² We write, Na – e⁻ → Na⁺ Cl + e⁻…
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20Feb 2013 by Vincent Summers 1 Comment

Mysterious Saint Elmo’s Fire

Physics
[caption id="attachment_3371" align="alignright" width="330"] Coronal discharge in plasma - www.Lucnix.be[/caption] Saint Elmo's Fire is far from being a variety of combustion associated with a heaven bound Muppet. Rather, it is an historic phenomenon observed by sailors at sea, and is named after the supposed patron saint of sailors, Erasmus.¹ Saint Elmo's Fire has also appeared to pilots in connection with aircraft wings. Rarely, it is seen elsewhere. The single feature each of these occurrences shares in common is sharp or pointed surfaces. The Nature of the Beast Such surfaces do not provide fuel to some conflagration. In fact, they are generally metallic, and are not consumed at all. Saint Elmo's Fire is an electrical and atmospheric phenomenon. It comes about because of a coronal discharge of electricity that leads surrounding…
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18Feb 2013 by Vincent Summers 1 Comment

Control Language and You Control the Masses

Language
[caption id="attachment_3361" align="alignright" width="480"] George Orwell & 1984[/caption] Control language. Control the truth. The famous book entitled 1984 gave birth to the expression “Big Brother is Watching.” What that means is, government is watching you as a citizen. It has the goal of catching you engaging in or fomenting some action it labels seditious. More than a saying, the quote sums up the fearful premise assumed by the more paranoid segment of Society. They fear their freedom to do whatever they may wish may be at risk. However, is the idea without merit? Consider the following premise1 that might add to the aura of a government run amok. Consider the possibility of absolute control of the spoken and written word. Control language and you control the masses! Language and Lingo…
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07Feb 2013 by Vincent Summers No Comments

Decarboxylation of Carboxylic Acids Useful in Synthesis

Chemistry
For one reason or another, it may be desirable to remove a carboxylic acid group (–COOH) from a molecule. This process is called, logically, decarboxylation. It may be the carboxylic group was previously introduced to guide some of steps in a synthesis. What? A Simple Example Consider the simple hexagonal ring, aromatic compound benzene, C6H6. From the top and clockwise, let's number the carbon atoms, one through six. If we wish to attach a group synthetically to the ring, how do we determine the ring carbon to which it will attach? It's simple. They're all identical. Whichever carbon atom it does attach to becomes the number one carbon atom! But say we want to attach another group to the No. 2 carbon atom. Well, in this situation, the carbon atoms…
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04Feb 2013 by Vincent Summers 2 Comments

Epoxide Ring Preparation by Oxidation of Alkenes

Chemistry
How many have purchased a 2-tube pack of epoxy at their local hardware or grocery store? It’s a routine item we use to repair a variety of objects. But what is it that makes epoxy glue so strong? Its name gives it away. Epoxy glues use epoxy compounds. Epoxides. What is an epoxide? It’s Simple? Yes An epoxide is a molecule with a tiny 3-member ring in its structure. One atom is oxygen. Two are carbon. The epoxy link is illustrated in Figure 1. R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are pendant groups. How is such a 3-member ring created? Often by the oxidation of an alkene. The reader may appreciate an example.1 Propene Let's try the oxidation of propene, CH3CH=CH2.2 What would be a suitable oxidizing agent for the reaction?…
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