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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, United States
J. Chem. Educ., 2013, 90 (4), pp 500–505
DOI: 10.1021/ed300340x
Publication Date (Web): March 15, 2013
Copyright © 2013 The American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc.
Abstract
The large class sizes of first-year chemistry labs makes it challenging to provide students with hands-on access to instrumentation because the number of students typically far exceeds the number of research-grade instruments available to collect data. Multifunctional chemical analysis (MCA) systems provide a viable alternative for large-scale instruction while supporting a hands-on approach to more advanced instrumentation. This study describes how the capabilities of MCA systems are extended to introduce liquid chromatography (LC) and flow injection analysis (FIA) in undergraduate laboratories. A semi-micro plastic cuvette with a Teflon tubing insert is fashioned as the flow cell for a MCA absorbance–fluorescence detector. Two MCA systems, Vernier and MeasureNet, are used in two unique experiments demonstrating the detection of salicylate in aspirin tablets by FIA and the LC separation of a mixture of riboflavin and fluorescein. Both instruments, composed of a syringe pump, T-injection valve, and the MCA detector, operated in the kinetic mode, are rugged and inexpensive permitting student construction, if desired.
The newest MeasureNet software introduces Dual UV/VIS Spectroscopy. Customers now have the ability to use two networked spectrometers simultaneously.
Customers will need to ensure they have the following order to use two NetSpec spectrometers on the same MeasureNet MCAN (Multifunctional Chemical Analysis Network):
- MeasureNet Lab PC Software v 9.0.0 and above
- MeasureNet Unity Controller Software v 3.0.0 and above
- MeasureNet Unity Controller equipped with a dual port network card.
- 2 NetSpec UV/VIS Spectrometers
All new MeasureNet Controllers sold since January 2012 have had a dual MeasureNet network port included by default. If you're not sure which type of network card is installed in your controller, you can easily figure it out by looking at the back of it.
Single network
Dual network
If you do not have a Dual network card, you can contact MeasureNet to discuss upgrade options for your Unity Controller.
One UV/VIS spectrometer will reside on your existing network, and the second spectrometer will hook up to the port with the black cover over it. Once connected, you can use both spectrometers in the same fashion as you would a single Netspec UV/VIS Spectrometer.
The Lab PC Software now has status indicators for both spectrometers along with settings menu options for each NetSpec Spectrometer.