The Organic Chemistry Seminar is intended to provide high school students interested in the study of carbon-containing compounds and its applications in the process to revolutionize the way chemicals are produced and used. Through an engaging seminar, students will learn about the concepts of Organic Chemistry and develop an understanding of the economic, social, and philosophical implications of chemical processes. Carbon is unique. It forms organic substances without which life could not exist (in areas of dyes, plastic, textile fibers, medicines and drugs). The number of organic compounds has been estimated to be in the neighborhood of a million and constantly increasing.
Day 5
Soap Making- We did our last lab of concocting soap, mixing ethyl alcohol, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide pellets.
Combustion of Wax- For our final lab, we decided to go out with a bang. We used wax from a candle to make a big boom.
Day 4
Isolation of Cholesterol (cont.)- We finished isolating the cholesterol from egg yolks.
Synthesis of Aspirin- We created aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride.
Scavenger Hunt- We took a field trip to pharmacies where we compared different brands of painkiller including Aspirin, Alleve, and Tylenol. We took note of the value and active ingredients.
Day 3
Perfumes/Colognes- We made scented oils by dissolving scented salts in alcohol. Some fragrances included Coyote by Max, GUCHI K, and the Scent by Catherine.
Carbon Souffles- We added sulfuric acid to sugar to dehydrate it, making pure carbon.
Preparation of Methane Gas- We heated a combination of sodium acetate and soda-lime to make methane gas.
Isolation of Cholesterol- We used acetone to isolate the cholesterol from egg yolks.
for more pictures go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sage-Hill-School-Organic-Chemistry/176818255704984
Day 2
Chemistry of Oils- We tested sunflower oil, sesame oil, gasoline, butter, ethanol, benzene, and bromine water. Bromine water takes out oil stains from shirts
ROY G BIV Gel Tube- We colored gels with water and food coloring and assembled tubes with the colors of the rainbow
Fun with Foam- We made styrofoam with our own colors, and molded it using gloves into the shapes of hands. We watched foam dissolve under a spray of acetone.
Preparation of Esters- We prepared and identified several types of esters: wintergreen (with methyl alcohol and salicylic acid), peppermint (with butyl alcohol with formic acid), and raspberry (isobutyl formate and isobutyl acetate).
Day 1
Aromatherapy- We smelled different vials and guessed what smells they were. Victoria liked Cinnamon, Kent and Catherine liked wintergreen, Max liked strawberries (red bull), Christian and Arya liked vanilla.
Slime Anyone?- We made some crazy cool slime with alcohol and sodium borate.
Bouncy Ball Challenge- we combined some glue and borax to make a bouncy ball, then put the balls to the test in a bounce-off (with a cost element)
