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Unit 5 - Organic Chemistry

• Chapter 9 Hydrocarbons from Petroleum
• Chapter 10 Hydrocarbon Derivations, Organic Reactions, and Petrochemicals

Unit 6 - Chemical Energy

• Chapter 11 Enthalpy Change
• Chapter 12 Explaining Chemical Changes

Unit 7 Electrochemistry

• Chapter 13 Redox Reactions
• Chapter 14 Electrochemical Cells

Unit 8 Chemical Equilibrium Focusing on Acid-Base Systems

• Chapter 15 Equilibrium Systems
• Chapter 16 Equilibrium in Acid-Base Systems

Chapter 13 Understanding Chemical Compounds

Unit 7 Electrochemistry

Unit Opener (page 2)

Link to Dr. Viola Birss' website detailing her research interests and work in electrochemistry.

http://www.chem.ucalgary.ca/people/academic/birss/index.html

Chapter 13 Redox Reactions

Native Access for Engineering Students
The University of Concordia's Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science features profiles of scientists and engineers.

National Occupational Classification: Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
The Government of Canada website gives details of a variety of related careers, employments prospects, potential earnings, and so on.

Case Study: Early Metallurgy (page 10)

Question 4

How was the process of trial and error used by early peoples to extract metals from their ores?

A Short History of Metals
Alan Cramb, of Carnegie Mellon University, clearly presents the history of the earliest-known metals and some of more recent discovery.

Ancient Metallurgy
David Jordan, of the University of California, delves into the earliest know use and working of metals for tools.

Early Smelting and Metallurgy
A colourfully illustrated website suggests the possible origins of metallurgy.

Web Activity: Canadian Achievers-Henry Taube and Rudolph Marcus (page 11)

Henry Taube (1915-2005) was born and educated in Saskatchewan. Rudolph Marcus was born and educated in Quebec. Taube and Marcus both contributed to the theory of electron transfer reactions. Each received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry, in 1983 and 1992, respectively, for their work.

1. In one sentence, describe the work done by each chemist as cited by the Nobel Committee.

2. Describe one difference between Taube's and Marcus' work.

Press Release: The 1983 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences' press release describes Henry Taube's award-winning work.

Press Release: The 1992 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences' press release describes Rudolph Marcus' award-winning work.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry: The Development of Modern Chemistry
This page on the Nobel site fits Taube's and Marcus' work into the mosaic of work by other winners of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

Web Activity: Simulated Redox Reaction (page 13)

This computer simulation shows the reaction between lead atoms and silver ions.

1. Which entity loses electrons and which gains electrons?
2. What number of electrons is lost or gained by each kind of atom/ion?
3. What are the oxidation and reduction half-reaction equations?

Note that the simulation can be viewed forwards or backwards one frame at a time.

Click "Run" to start simulation.

Biology Connection: Metabolic Redox (page 15)

pdfs coming soon

Section 13.1 Questions (page 17)

Question 7

Photosynthesis is a complex electron-transfer process that is essential for almost all life forms on Earth. Write and label the half-reaction equations for the "light reaction" and the "dark reaction."

Photosynthesis
This straightforward description of the chemistry of photosynthesis describes the "light" and "dark" reactions, and the associated redox changes.

Question 8

One of the earliest technologies is the use of fire, but we have no idea when and where it started. There are various stories in many cultures about how people learned about fire, such as the Greek story of Prometheus. There is also the North American Aboriginal story of how the coyote steals fire. These universal stories serve as powerful metaphors for the technology that we use today. Summarize the legend of the coyote and fire. How does this metaphor relate to the goals and effects of technology today?

How Coyote Stole Fire
Here is a complete re-telling of the Native American (Aboriginal) lore concerning the arrival of fire into human society.

Coyote Brings Fire to the People
This short excerpt of the book Giving Birth to Thunder by Barry Holstun Lopez, is another version of the story of fire. The Web site is part of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Question 9

Archaeometallurgy is the study of ancient metallurgy using modern analytical techniques. Give some examples of research in the field. What metals and time periods have been studied? Can a metal from one mine be distinguished from the same metal from another mine? How is this information used in archaeological studies?

Ancient Metals
This Web site, from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, focusses on the ore mining, primary production, and smithing techniques of the ancient iron industry.

Archeometallurgy in Archaeological Projects
The Historical Metallurgy Society ( Great Britain ) explains the phases of archaeological research: project planning, field work, assessment of potential for analysis, analysis and report preparation, and dissemination. Archaeometallurgy can be used to identify artifacts that archaeologists might not normally be able to identify.

Section 13.2 Predicting Redox Reactions

Section 13.2 Questions (page 32)

Question 19

The subject of antioxidants may be controversial, but there are many groups and companies that want you to use antioxidant products. What does the term antioxidant suggest? Define antioxidant and list three important examples. Briefly summarize some of the controversy that is associated with antioxidants.

Antioxidant
Wikipedia briefly describes the chemical activity of antioxidants, and their benefits to biological systems. There are also several links to related information.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals
Some of the chemistry, activity, and myths of these much-talked-about substances are outlined in this site associated with Rice University in Texas. There are also some academic references for further information.

Questions 20

Many biologically important molecules contain a metal ion surrounded by and bonded to a large organic molecule (e.g., porphyrin). One very important example is chlorophyll. Prepare a report (paper, poster, or electronic) containing the following information about chlorophyll:

. the structure of the main form

. its general role in electron transfer reactions

. close relatives containing iron and cobalt

. a technological application inspired by the chlorophyll molecule

Structure and Reactions of Chlorophyll
A student in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London has put together this excellent summary of chlorophyll.

Chemical of the Week: Chlorophyll
One of the references on the previous site, this description of chlorophyll (and some related substances) is written by a Chemistry professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Section 13.3 Oxidation States

Web Activity: Catalytic Converters (page 38)

The catalytic converter is a technological development designed to reduce the amount of pollutants in an automobile's exhaust.

•  Describe the main components of the converter.

•  Explain the three main reactions and include oxidation numbers in your explanation.

How Catalytic Converters Work
The "How Stuff Works" site provides several pages of information on the structure, function, and benefits of catalytic converters.

Catalytic Converter
Wikipedia's description includes many links to related site, and sections on catalyst poisoning, technical details, and regulations.

Case Study: Bleaching Wood Pulp (page 44)

Question 4

Investigate at least two pulp and paper companies (one in Canada and one outside of North America) to see what actions they have taken to reduce their impact on the environment. Present your findings in a medium of your choice.

Bleaching
The Forest Products Association of Canada site outlines the past, present, and future of bleaching.

Pulp and Paper Producers
There are many companies listed here that are involved in bleaching.

Domtar
One of Canada's biggest forest products companies, Domtar produces paper using a variety of different methods. Look for specification sheets for their EarthChoice line of papers.

Anqui Pulp and Paper Mill Henan Province, P.R.China
A brief report of a plan to improve environmental standards at a pulp and paper mill in Henan Province, China, outlines some of the challenges, options, decisions, and effects of reducing the amount of water, power, and toxic chemicals during production.

From Frog to Prince
The Swedish Forest Industries Federation details huge changes to improve environmental protection.

Question 5

Research several reactions involved in the bleaching of paper, and balance or verify the balancing of the reaction equations using oxidation numbers.

Pulp Bleaching: Principles and Practice
This is an excerpt from Bleaching Chemicals , a text covering pulp bleaching fundamentals and processes from chemical composition to pulp to technology, production, and the environmental impact of bleaching. The section entitled Process Chemistry will be of interest.

Section 13.3 Questions (page 45)

Question 13

How is the making of pemmican by First Nations peoples an example of technology providing solutions to practical problems? List some advantages of pemmican and state its importance to early European explorers and settlers.

The Métis Nation and the Pemmican Trade
This article describes the history of pemmican, as well as how and why it is made, and the impact it had on North American culture.

Making Pemmican
An illustrated step-by-step procedure shows how the meat is dried over hot coals, prior to being pounded and shredded then mixed with dried berries and animal fat. Check out the link: Experiments in Pemmican Preparation.

Question 14

Most organisms derive their metabolic energy from cellular respiration, making this one of the most important biological redox processes. [N]

(a) Write the overall chemical reaction equation for cellular respiration.

(b) Identify the oxidation, reduction, oxidizing agent, reducing agent, and overall direction of electron transfer.

(c) Cellular respiration is a complex series of electron transfers. List the three main stages for the aerobic respiration.

Cellular Respiration
Wikipedia's page describes both aerobic and anaerobic respiration in some detail.

Question 15

Police forces use various instruments and processes to determine whether a person is legally impaired. What is the difference in operation between the breathalyzer and other breath alcohol testing devices? Describe briefly how redox reactions are involved.

How Breathalyzers Work
This "How Stuff Works" website explains in very straightforward language how breathalyzers work. Not only does it explain the principles and mechanism behind the testing, but there is also a page of links provided, for other sources of information.

Approved Breath-Test Instruments
This website is provided by a Canadian company, "Forensic Consulting," that provides services in toxicology and drug identification. In this website (you can also click a button for a printable version), it explains a few different systems that can be used to detect blood alcohol levels.

Section 13.4 Redox Stoichiometry

Web Activity: Canadian Achievers-Imants Lauks (page 48)

Dr. Imants Lauks is a world leader in developing biochips for clinical diagnostic products. He invented the silicon chip blood analyzer in 1986. Biochips combine silicon chip technology with chemical reactions, many of which are electrochemical (redox) reactions.

•  Describe the FlexCardT technology that Dr. Lauks' current company, Epocal, is developing.

•  What practical problems does this technology solve?

Epocal: FlexCard Technology
This corporate Web site describes Epocal's technology, and its applications. To find out more about the company, select About Epocal.

Chapter 13 Review Questions (pages 55-59)

Question 33

For the production of pulp from wood, a variety of methods are used, including mechanical and chemical processes. These have advantages and disadvantages that have been widely debated.

(a) Collect information about these processes, and provide an assessment using technological, economic, and ecological perspectives. [B, 650, 30]

(b) Using your knowledge of chemistry, prepare an argument for or against the following statement: "The immediate economic value of using technology to produce a product far outweighs any possible future adverse effects."

TAML ä Oxidant Activators: Green Bleaching Agents for Paper Manufacturing
The Chemistry Department of the University of Scranton, PA, presents a very complete look at the treatment of paper, and suggests some more environmentally benign options.

Pulp, Paper, and Power: How an Industry Reshapes its Social Environment
Although this article is slightly dated (1995) and somewhat long, it is a fascinating look at the politics of paper production and consumption around the world.

The Environmental Paper Network
The Environmental Paper Network ¾ a diverse group of environmental organizations ¾ presents a resource for purchasers, environmental organization, industry, and individuals. Not surprisingly, their environmental perspective is somewhat anti-industry, but also promotes reducing paper consumption.

Question 35

The earliest metallurgy would be classified as pyrometallurgy. Other processes such as hydrometallurgy and electrometallurgy are more recent inventions. Define each of these types of metallurgy and provide one common example of each. Why are all three of these processes examples of redox reactions? What do these processes illustrate about the goal of technology and the interaction between science and technology?

Metallurgy
Various methods of separating metallic elements from their ores are discussed.

Articles on Metallurgy
Access Science provides links to abstracts of articles on various metallurgy topics.

Question 36

The nitrogen cycle is a very important and complex biological system that includes nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

(a) Using a diagram, summarize the main changes of nitrogen-containing entities and their oxidation numbers in the nitrogen cycle.

(b) For each of the main processes listed above, define the term and include some examples of the half-reaction equations, labelled as oxidation or reduction.

(c) Outline some positive and negative environmental impacts of these processes.

The Nitrogen Cycle
The College of Biological Sciences of The Ohio State University produces an informative web page. Many lectures are available as electronic notes, including this one, which even discusses the oxidation numbers of elements within reacting compounds.

Simplified Nitrogen Cycle
A fairly high-level discussion of the nitrogen cycle is presented on the Web site of the Illinois State Water Survey.

The Nitrogen Cycle - Class Notes
The University of Wisconsin's Soil Sciences instructors put together this page of notes, with a link to further details on the benefits of nitrogen for plants.

Denitrification
The Free Dictionary provides a brief overview of denitrification, with links to related terms.