# Organic Chemistry ## expand\_more Under construction... descriptions will be added. ### Large Molecular Models \[ M | t | ★★★★\] Large lecture-size Darling molecular models to show structure and bonding - can put together any molecule that you want! \[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/samples-elements)\] ### Molecular Models: Ethane and butane conformations Show conformations and relate to Newman projections with the large models. Atoms on different carbons can be different colors to see staggered vs. eclipsed projections. ### Molecular Models: Cyclohexane Large models of cyclohexane with different colored axial and equatorial hydrogens. Switching between the two chair forms clearly shows that the axial hydrogens become equatorial and vice versa. We can also provide skeletal models of cyclohexane. ### Molecular Models: Enantiomers Two large tetrahedral models that are non-superposable mirror images. ### Molecular Models: Fatty Acids 5 different fatty acid models to show the structural differences between saturated and unsaturated fats: stearic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid ### Buckyball Truncate an icosahedron to produce a Buckminister Fullerene...this is accompanied by a soccer ball and a C60 model. ### Enantiomers: Carvone and Limonene Vials Vials of R-carvone (minty scent) and S-carvone (caraway scent) to pass around for sniffing. Also vials of R-limonene (orange citrus) and S-limonene (pine, turpentine scent) ### Red Cabbage Acid-Base Indicator Red cabbage juice, which contains anthocyanins, acts as a colorful acid-base indicator when ammonia and vinegar are added. ### Sugar Syrups: Optical Rotation A sample of optically active corn syrup, containing glucose, rotates linearly polarized light. The amount of rotation depends on the thickness of the sample and the wavelength of the light. \[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/sugar-syrups)\] ### Quinine fluorescence UV light causes a bright blue fluorescence in quinine molecules. ### Guest-Host chemistry: Calixarene - Quinine Fluorescence Quenching When a solution of 4-Sulfocalix\[6\]arene (host) is added to a quinine solution (guest molecule), quinine fluorescence is quenched. The quinine fluorescence can be re-activated by adding acetylcholine, which displaces the quinine from the host. ### Enzyme-subtrate Lego Model Two different enzyme models with different shapes to show how shape of the enzyme influences binding of the substrate molecule and aids in formation of the activated complex. ### Activation Energy Demonstrations Two demonstrations that act as analogies for activation energy: 1) flip balls which change color based on the energy and rotation of the ball; 2) Hot wheels car with a loop-the-loop activation barrier that can only make it to the product side when enough activation energy is applied. ### Breathalyzer Demonstrates the redox mechanism of the classic Breathalyzer test. An acidified potassium dichromate material in a glass tube turns from orange to green when alcohol vapor is blown through the tube. ### Tollen's Test The spectacular silver mirror reaction that tests for the presence of aldehydes vs. ketone. Still used to make beautiful silver surfaces, it was used to detect glucose, an aldehyde sugar, in urine, and identify diabetics. ### Saponification: Making Soap Soap is produced by the reaction of lye (sodium hydroxide) with fatty acids (coconut and olive oils). ### Ester Scents Vials of butyl acetate (fruity, apple or pear), isoamyl acetate (banana), and methyl salicylate (wintergreen) are provided for smelling. ### Aldehyde Scents Vials of Cinnamaldehyde and vanillin are provided for smelling. ### Nylon Synthesis A long strand of nylon fiber is magically pulled from solutions of 1,6-diaminohexane and adipic acid. ### Catalase Enzyme Beef liver containing catalase causes a bubbly breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. Purified catalase does the same, but more so! ### SN2 Reaction Model Demonstrate the SN2 reaction using this wooden model and show that the inversion of stereochemistry always occurs. ### SN1 Reaction Model Demonstrate how the SN1 reaction can result in both a retention or inversion in stereochemistry using these models. ### Blue bottle redox demonstration The solution in the bottle goes from clear to blue, then fades to colorless again! A fun demonstration of methylene blue reduced by dextrose, as well as kinetic effects. ### Polyurethane Foam Mixing a liquid containing isocyanates and a liquid containing polyols expands rapidly to produce a solid polyurethane foam. ### Sodium Polyacrylate: Diaper Polymer and Instant Snow Have you ever wondered how diapers work? Sodium polyacrylate is a polymer that absorbs up to 1000 times its mass in water! Also you can make instant snow. ### Butane bubbles: Hydrocarbon combustion Combustion releases the energy contained in soap bubbles filled with butane gas. ### Whoosh bottle: Alcohol combustion Isopropanol vapor burns with a "whoosh" when ignited in a 5 gallon jug. ### Gummy bear combustion: Energy in carbohydrates 2 reactions in one demonstration: The decomposition reaction of potassium chlorate gives off oxygen gas, which causes the combustion of sugar in a gummy bear. ### Contact Us **Mailing Address**: Lecture Demonstration Services, Science Center, Rm B-08A, 1 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 **Campus Location**: Science Center B-08A | **Tel**: (617) 495-5824 | **Email**: