C. Marvin Lang
Professor of Chemistry
Research Interests: My interests lie in areas traditionally
referred to as "Physical Chemistry" and "Chemical
Demonstrations." Over many years, personal research and student conducted
investigations have been carried out in four broad areas: The Theory of Liquid
Structure, The History of Science, Thermochemistry,
and Chemical Demonstrations. The results of numerous projects in these
areas have lead to publication and student presentations at various scientific meetings.
Theory of Liquids
Using the techniques of
measuring refractive indices, kinematic viscosities,
and investigating electron spin resonance spectra of binary liquid mixtures, a
general understanding of adduct formation and hydrogen bonding is emerging for
the liquids studied. This project consists of organonitroxide
synthesis, physicochemical measurements, spin labeling, and calculations.
History of Science
An ongoing project designed to
prepare materials for "chemical philately" and "chemical genealogy".
These materials include postal posters, exhibits and curricular items for
classroom use.
Thermochemistry
Continued
investigations of the heat of combustion of analgesics. Oxygen Bomb Calorimetry
is used to calculate the heats of combustion of a variety of "off the
shelf" pain relievers with the aim of extracting consistent data for
determining the standard heat of formation of "active ingredients"
such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.
Chemical Demonstrations
Prepare, practice and perfect
the presentation of a variety of chemical demonstrations. Further, it is
expected that new demonstrations will be investigated and developed and
integrated into the classroom.