An Ultraviolet-Visible Computing Spectrophotometer for Laboratory Courses and Undergraduate Research

In this project, a computer-interfaced diode array ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer is being used by the Chemistry Department at Pennsylvania State University-Behrend College to enhance undergraduate instruction in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, instrumental analysis, physical chemistry, and undergraduate research. Determination of the coordination number, geometry, and isomerization kinetics of transition metal complexes, rapid analytical measurements including analysis of Beer's Law deviations by second order comparisons with extentions to multicomponent analysis are experiments which the speed and data storage capabilities of this instrument make possible. Undergraduate research activities on iron-containing macrocyclic complexes and on the analysis and determination of wine phenols also utilize this sophisticated instrumentation extensively.