UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS - - DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND MATH 

 CHEMISTRY STUDENTS AND THE DSM LABORATORY

CHEMISTRY LABCHEMISTRY LAB

Laboratories are conducted to enhance further understanding of chemistry concepts. The following information will prove helpful to you as a student.

Contents

 

 GO TO THE AID TO THE DSM BIOLOGY STUDENT

GO TO AID TO THE DSM LAB INSTRUCTOR

 


 GO BACK TO THE DSM LAB WEB SITE

IMPORTANT NUMBERS FOR AN EMERGENCY

Campus Security-- 1532/1500/1530

Campus Health Services -- 1120/ 1121/ 1122/ 1124

Ambulance -- Poison Control -- Fire -- Police -- 911

 

Department of Science and Math Safety Guidelines

To the Student:

Safety will be emphasized in all courses and you are to become familiar with all safety rules. Carefully read the section on laboratory safety in your lab manual and be aware of the various precautions to be taken while working in a laboratory. 

The following regulations are specifically called to your attention:

Students are not allowed to work in the laboratory alone or without the permission of the instructor.

Safety Goggles must be worn at all times in the lab. Prescription glasses, sunglasses, etc. are not allowed as your only protection. It is recommended that contact lenses not be worn in the labs because laboratory fumes may cause eye irritation.

Do not change a laboratory procedure without specific permission from the instructor.

Wear sensible clothing. Old clothes are best because many substances will cause holes to form in fabrics. Long pants and shoes must be worn because chemicals can cause irritation on contact with skin. Shorts and sandals are not permitted.

Smoking, eating, or drinking is not permitted in the lab.

Do not pipette liquids with mouth; use pipette bulbs.

Lachrymators (materials that cause secretion and discharge of tears) are to be kept in the hood at all times.

Do not attempt to force a glass tube or thermometer into a rubber stopper. The tube or thermometer should be lightly moistened with stopcock grease or glycerin and carefully inserted into the stopper. Do not lubricate with water because the water will evaporate and make it difficult to remove the tube later.

While connecting a rubber or Tygon hose to the outlet of a condenser, moisten the glass with water, gently insert the tube, and use rotating motion to connect the tube. This will prevent breakage of condenser arms and possible injury from it.

Disposal of excess or unwanted materials:

  • Aqueous solutions and water miscible organics (example, acetone) should be dumped in the sink with water running and washed down.
  • Immiscible organics should be poured into the waste bottle provided for the purpose. Under no conditions are acids or bases to be poured into the organic waste container (or vice versa) -- this may result in vigorous chemical reaction and possible explosion. Dangerous explosions have resulted from mixing, for example, acetone and nitric acid.
  • Return to Contents Section
  • Return to Contents Section of Safety Guidelines

Laboratory Accidents:

Notify your Instructor immediately.

Know the location and use of fire extinguishers, eye-washers, and safety showers in the lab.

Do not attempt to smother a fire in a beaker or flask with a fire extinguisher. The force of the stream of material from it will turn over the vessel and result in a bigger fire. Just place a watch glass or a wet towel over the container to cut off the supply of oxygen.

If your clothing is on fire, do not run because this only increases the burning. It is normally best to fall on the floor and roll over to smother the fire. If a fellow student, whose clothing is on fire panics and begins to run, attempt to get the student on the floor and roll over to smother the flame. If necessary, use the fire blanket or safety shower in the lab to smother the fire.

Students with long hair should put their hair in a bun or a pony-tail to avoid their hair catching fire.

For treatment of minor heat or flame burns, run cold water and apply burn ointment. More serious burns should be referred to the infirmary or physician immediately.

If you get chemicals in your eyes (in spite of the protective goggles), flush with copious amounts of cold water. Get help from the Instructor if necessary.

Chemical spills on hands or arms should be washed immediately with soap and water. Washing hands should become an instinctive response to any chemical spilled on hands. Spills that cover clothing and other parts of the body should be drenched under the safety shower. If strong acids or bases are spilled on clothing, the clothing should be removed.

Chemical Precautions:

Read the label of the reagent bottle carefully before using. (A good example is the student who used "fuming" sulfuric acid instead of concentrated sulfuric acid. His experiment was exciting but no product was obtained).

Never return unused reagent to the reagent bottle.

Never take a reagent bottle to your bench.

Replace caps on reagent bottles after use.

Do not pipette anything with your mouth. Always use pipettes with rubber bulbs.

Most organic liquids are quite flammable and should be handled as you might handle gasoline. Never pour or transfer organic liquids near an open flame.

  • Hydrocarbons (petroleum ether, hexane, etc.) are quite flammable.
  • Ethers (such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran) are exceedingly flammable and are not used routinely in your laboratory; commonly methylene chloride is substituted for diethyl ether in your experiments.
  • Alcohols (methanol, ethanol) are somewhat less flammable than the hydrocarbons or ethers but should be handled with care and should not be heated on a flame or hot plate.
  • Benzene, Carbon tetrachloride, and Chloroform are highly toxic and are not routinely used in your labs.

Always be aware of the toxicity of substances while preparing for your laboratory. Handle all chemicals with care.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the commonly used chemicals are provided in the lab (room S205). These contain a wealth of information regarding the chemicals and must be consulted prior to using a chemical in the lab. The Merck Index also provides information on the toxicity and physiological effects of commonly used chemicals. This publication is available in the UVI library and a copy is available in the chemistry stockroom (room S201).

Mineral acids, especially perchloric acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid react violently with organic compounds, such as acetone and Alcohols. Therefore, care must be taken when these are employed in experiments. Reaction vessels, washed with organic solvents like acetone must be dried thoroughly before introducing concentrated acids.

Always add acid to water.

Avoid breathing chemical vapors.

Clean skin promptly should contact occur with skin.

General Laboratory Rules

Always keep a copy of the laboratory rules in your laboratory drawer/locker at all times. If one is not present, inform the laboratory manager or your professor immediately.

Never enter storerooms S-111 or S-201 unless directed by the laboratory manager or a DSM faculty member to do so.

Always sign-out and sign-in any materials or equipment removed from rooms S-111 or S-201.

Pay for all items lost or damaged during the semester unless excused by the laboratory manager or a DSM faculty member not to do so.

Always clean work area at the beginning and end of each laboratory session. This includes countertops, floors, etc. (Use a 10 % Bleach Solution or the equivalent for wiping countertops)

Always clean glassware and other equipment used at the end of each lab period. This includes test tubes, beakers, etc.

Always dispose of regular and contaminated trash in the appropriate receptacle. If in doubt, consult the laboratory manager or a DSM faculty member.

Always place all materials requiring sterilization (via autoclave) in the area designated for contaminated materials. If in doubt, consult the laboratory manager or a DSM faculty member.

Always be present 5 minutes before and after scheduled lab sessions for pre- and post- laboratory inspections. Corrective action must be taken immediately when deviations are pointed out by the inspector.

Always label all materials left in incubators, water baths, or ovens. Label should include student name, course #, date item was placed in area, and date item is to be removed from area. Consult Lab manager or your professor for the appropriate label.

Note the location of these items in the Dept. of Science and Math (DSM) laboratory and building:

  • 1) First Aid Kit,
  • 2) MSDS Information,
  • 3) Fire Extinguisher,
  • 4) Chemical Storage Area,
  • 5) Eye Wash Station/Safety Showers,
  • 6) Spill Response Clean-up Kit,
  • 7) Fire Alarm, and
  • 8) Fire Blanket.

***Look for Room Layouts on Doors or Bulletin Boards in the Labs***

Always observe and practice Department of Science and Math Laboratory Safety Protocol.

Never eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke in the Department of Science and Math Laboratories.

Never use laboratory glassware to store or heat food for consumption.

Never pipet anything by mouth.

Wear safety goggles in the DSM Laboratories at all times.

Never play around in any DSM laboratory.

Never block exits, aisles, or hallways.

Always wear appropriate lab clothing. This includes long pants or skirts, long sleeves, and closed-in shoes (no sandals and no bare feet). Additionally, lab coats must be worn when in DSM Laboratories.

Never leave an experiment unattended unless you have permission to do so.

Report all injuries at once to the laboratory manager or a DSM faculty member.

Always refer to the Department of Science and Math Laboratory Safety Guidelines before commencing laboratory experiments and as needed.

Carefully read all the laboratory rules which are summarized above and recognize that it is your responsibility to observe (practice) them throughout the regular semester and whenever utilizing DSM laboratory facilities. Failure to adhere to the following rules will result in disciplinary action.

Stockroom and Locker Procedures and Tips

The stockroom window is open when teaching lab courses are in session to allow students to borrow glassware and equipment needed in lab experiments and to obtain reagent bottle refills. Students must be registered in a lab course and must have a locker assigned to them to use the stockroom. In addition to registered students, teacher assistants (TAs) or individuals authorized by professors are allowed to use the stockroom. TAs and other individuals authorized to use the stockroom must fill out the sign-out/sign-in form when items are borrowed or used. Rules governing the use of the stockroom must be followed at all times.

Stockroom Window Hours

The stockroom window is normally open when teaching lab courses are in session with some exceptions. For more accurate information, check the schedule that is usually posted outside the door and window.

The hours are normally Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (with one hour closed for lunch)

Locker Assignments

Lockers are assigned by the lab manager during check-in. The instructor will have a map of the lockers and each student will be assigned to a locker. The students’ names must be on the map in the appropriate locker number box for them to be registered with the stockroom to borrow supplies. Once signed up for a locker, a student is responsible for the contents and can be charged for any materials/supplies missing from the locker during check-out.

How to Check-In to a Locker

During check-in you are responsible for making sure that everything is present in your assigned locker (You can be charged for missing/broken items later on). Once you check-in you must check-out with the stockroom when you leave the class. If you do not check-out, your registration and grades will be held.

  • Step 1

Your lab manager will assign you a locker, unlock it, and provide you with a key to enter the locker. Print your name in the correct numbered box on the locker map corresponding to your assigned locker. Obtain an equipment list for the locker and fill in your name and other data requested.

  • Step2

Remove all items from the locker. Put them back in the locker as you check them against the equipment list and check them for breakage. On the space provided, put the number of items present. Do not put a check mark, indicate quantity present with numerical symbols (numbers). If there are any missing or broken items, get them from the stockroom during check-in. This is the only day they are free. If there are any extra items, return them to the stockroom.

  • Step 3

When you are certain everything is in the locker, lock it, sign and date the check-in/check-out form, and turn the equipment list in to the stockroom.

NOTE:

THE STOCKROOM DOES NOT WASH GLASSWARE. YOU MUST DO IT.

How to Check-Out of a locker

You must clear your records with the stockroom and pay any fees so your registration and grades are not held. If you do not check-out, before the last day of final exams, the lab manager will check you out and you will be assessed service charge and cleaning fee. You will, in addition, be billed for broken or missing materials.

  • Step 1

Obtain a copy of the original equipment list from the stockroom. Remove all the glassware from the locker and clean it. Line it up on the counter in the order on the list. "Borrow" any missing equipment from the stockroom. All the missing items must be obtained before going to step 2. If there are any extra glassware, return it to the stockroom and see if you have any equipment borrowing forms on file.

  • Step2

Have the lab manager check the glassware as you put the glassware back in the locker. The lab manager will sign the equipment list only when it is fully stocked.

  • Step 3

Bring the signed list to the stockroom and wait for your records to be checked. If you owe any money for broken or lost items, you will be issued a bill immediately. When everything is complete, you will be crossed off the locker map. You are not officially checked out until you are crossed off the locker map.

  • Step 4

If you have a bill, pay it at the Department of Science and Math before the end of finals. Bills not paid before the end of finals will be referred to the Business Office for collection. Students having unpaid bills may not be allowed to check-in for subsequent labs.

NOTE:

THE STOCKROOM DOES NOT WASH GLASSWARE. YOU MUST DO IT.

Examining Glassware and Other Tips

Take the thermometer out of the case and check the bulb and top. Check to see that the temperature reads correctly. Room temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius (in the DSM lab). Hold the bulb in your hand to make sure it rises from the heat and then falls when you let go. Do NOT shake the thermometer down like a human temperature thermometer. It Will Break!

Beakers should be checked individually because they can have small cracks on the bottoms. If the beakers are nested (smaller ones inside of larger ones), take them out one at a time and check them. If you nest them again for storage, be sure the pour spouts line up so they don't become stuck and put them together gently to prevent breakage.

The plastic bases on graduated cylinders can be removed to check for damages. If the cylinder has a plastic bumper ring on it, the ring should be kept at the top to keep the cylinder from breaking if it is tipped over.

Crucibles and evaporating dishes and other white porcelain items can have hidden cracks that only show up during heating. Gently tap the item on the table. It should make a clear sound. If it doesn't make a clear sound, it probably has a crack. Compare it to a neighbor's.

Organic lab kit glassware is very expensive. Check it carefully. The bulletin board in the laboratory provides the name and physical appearance of each piece of glassware in the kit.

Close the lockers carefully. Glassware breaks if the drawers are shut too hard or fast. Additionally, do not place glassware too close to the locker door. They may fall out and break when the door is opened.

Borrowing Supplies

Borrowing supplies is simple. Just fill out one white 3" x 5" borrowing card by printing your name and locker number in the spaces provided and listing the items to be borrowed on the lines below. The technician will get the supplies for you in exchange for the card. The card will be kept in the records box until you return the supplies. When you return the supplies, the card will be returned to you. If only some of the supplies on a card are returned, they will be crossed off and the card filed again. (NOTE: If a technician or the lab manager is not available, give the borrowing card to the instructor)

You can be charged for anything borrowed and not returned. So, be sure you get your borrowing card back when everything is returned.

Exchanging Supplies

Exchanges may be conducted for supplies that are in good condition. For example, if you need a 100ml beaker then you may exchange your 150 ml beaker for one in the storeroom provided that yours is not damaged. Fair exchanges are completed at the discretion of the lab manager or instructor and are limited to supplies that are alike. (A beaker for another beaker or a glass rod for another glass rod)

Charges

Students are responsible for everything they borrow from the storeroom and for everything in their locker. They can be charged for anything broken or lost. The bills are based on any borrowing cards still on file and on any items missing from the locker. Bills are prepared when the student checks out of the locker. Unpaid bills can lead to a hold on grades and records and failing to Check-Out can lead to service charges and cleaning fees. Additionally, students requiring lab services but owing lab fees will not be allowed to check-in until all bills are settled in full.  NOTE: If you drop/withdraw from a course, you must Check-Out of the laboratory. Your professor will not sign the drop/withdrawal form until you have checked out of the lab.

Paying Bills

If you are given a bill, you need to pay it within two weeks or by the end of the semester, whichever comes first. Bills not settled at the Department of Science and Math by the last day of final exams will be sent to the Business Office for collection. You will be given a white copy and a yellow copy of the billing invoice. Take those to the cashier’s office in the Accounting building to pay the bill. The cashier will return one copy to the stockroom marked "paid" where the originals will be torn up. Failing to pay a bill can cause grades and registration to be held.

How to Get Reagent Refills

To get a refill, bring the empty container to the stockroom. The technician will fill the bottle and return it to you as fast as possible. You must wait for him/her and take the container back to the lab. You must bring the lid with the container because it is not safe to carry open containers of chemicals. If the reagent bottle can fit in a Rubbermaid carrier, please use this for transporting purposes.

Waste Disposal

The first thing you need to determine before disposing of a chemical is whether it is hazardous waste or not. THAT IS IMPORTANT. In some cases the experiment procedure or container label will answer this, but if not, the best source for the information is your lab instructor.

Once you have determined if it is hazardous or not, you decide where to put it. If the chemical is NOT hazardous, it should not be put in a hazardous waste container because it is very, very expensive to process waste labeled hazardous no matter what it actually contains.

Hazardous wastes should be put in the appropriate waste container in one of the lab hoods. Be sure to use the right container. For example, do not put solvents in the aqueous waste container. Do not put hazardous wastes down the drain or in the trash. Do not bring wastes to the stockroom because the stockroom does not have disposal facilities. Most of the samples obtained from the stockroom will have disposal instructions of them. Read the label. Many of the general chemistry experiment procedures include disposal instructions. Read and follow those too.

Transferring Materials and Supplies Between Labs

Rubbermaid carriers are available in the labs for students to use for transporting materials and supplies between labs. All students must use these carriers. They may be obtained from the lab manager or instructor.

Chemical Related Information

6 M HC2H3O2 - ACETIC ACID

FOR 1L: Dissolve 353 ml of Glacial Acetic Acid (17.4 M) and dilute to 1000 ml with deionized water.

FOR 2L: Dissolve 706 ml of Glacial Acetic Acid (17.4 M) and dilute to 2000 ml with deionized water.

 Bottle Labeling Requirements: CORROSIVE

 H=2 F=2 R=2

 Contact Hazard: 3

 Disposal: Neutralize to pH 6-9; Sewer if <20% solution; Hazardous Waste if >20%

6 M NH4OH - AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE

FOR 1L: Dissolve 400 ml of Conc. Ammonium Hydroxide (14.5 M) and dilute to 1000 ml with deionized water.

 FOR 2L: Dissolve 800 ml of Conc. Ammonium Hydroxide (14.5 M) and dilute to 2000 ml with deionized water.

 Bottle labeling Requirements: CORROSIVE, TOXIC

 H=3 F=1 R=2

 Contact Hazard: 3

 Disposal: Neutralize to pH 6-9; Sewer if <20% solution; Hazardous Waster if > 20%

6 M HCl - HYDROCHLORIC ACID

FOR 1L: Dissolve 500 ml of Conc. Hydrochloric Acid (12.1 M) and dilute to 1000 ml with deionized water.

 FOR 2L: Dissolve 1000 ml of Conc. Hydrochloric Acid (12.1 M) and dilute to 2000 ml in deionized water.

 Bottle Labeling Requirements: CORROSIVE TOXIC

 H=3 F=0 R=2

 Contact Hazard:3

 Disposal: Neutralize to pH 6-9; Sewer if <20% solution; Hazardous Waste if > 20%.

6 M HNO3 - NITRIC ACID

FOR 1L: Dissolve 375 ml of Conc. Nitric Acid (15.9 M) and dilute to 1000 ml with deionized water.

 For 2L: Dissolve 750 ml of Conc. Nitric Acid (15.9 M) and dilute to 2000 ml with deionized water.

 Bottle Labeling Requirements: OXIDIZER, TOXIC

 H=3 F=0 R=3

 Contact Hazard: 4

 (NOTE: Skin will yellow upon contact with HNO3)

 Disposal: Neutralize to pH 6-9; Sewer if <20% solution; Hazardous Waste if >20%

6 M NaOH - SODIUM HYDROXIDE

FOR 1L: In a plastic beaker, weigh out 240g Sodium Hydroxide pellets. (Note: NaOH is Hygroscopic; weigh quickly). Add deionized water to a second plastic beaker and slowly add the NaOH pellets to the stirring deionized water. Pellets can be added more quickly as concentration of the solution increases. Dilute to 1000 ml with deionized water.

FOR 2L: Follow the directions for the 1L except use 480g NaOH and dilute with 2000 ml with deionized water.

  • Solution generates much heat, an ice bath surrounding the beaker is recommended. Ice can be obtained from room S205.
  • Failure to add the NaOH slowly will result in "hard rock" of NaOH that will not dissolve easily.

Bottle Labeling Requirements: CORROSIVE, TOXIC

Contact Hazard: 3

Disposal: Neutralize to pH 6-9; Sewer if <20% solution; Hazardous Waste if >20%

Clean up any spilled pellets quickly, especially those spilled on the floor or balance.

3 M H2SO4 - SULFURIC ACID

FOR 1L: Dissolve 167 ml of Conc. Sulfuric Acid (18 M) and dilute to 1000 ml with deionized water.

FOR 2L: Dissolve 334 ml Conc. Sulfuric Acid (18 M) and dilute to 2000 ml with deionized water.

  • Add slowly and carefully. H2SO4 is very water reactive and may "spit" if added too quickly, especially on humid days.
  • This solution liberates much heat. An ice bath is recommended. Ice may be obtained from room S205.

Bottle Labeling Requirements: CORROSIVE, TOXIC, OXIDIZER

H=3 F=0 R=3

Contact Hazard: 3

Disposal: Neutralize to pH 6-9; Sewer if <20%; Hazardous Waste of >20%

PHENOLPHTHALEIN INDICATOR SOLUTION

  • Aqueous Solution: Dissolve 5g phenolphthalein disodium salt in distilled water and dilute to 1L.
  • Alcoholic Solution: Dissolve 5g in 500 ml 95% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and add 500 ml distilled water. If necessary, add 0.02N NaOH drop-wise until a faint pink color appears in either the aqueous or alcoholic solutions.

 

METHYL ORANGE INDICATOR SOLUTION

Dissolve 500 mg methyl orange powder in distilled water and dilute to 1L.

PREPARE 70% ETHANOL FROM 95% ETHANOL

To prepare 70% EtOH from 95% EtOH, take 70 ml of 95% EtOH and dilute to 95 ml with distilled or deionized water.

SAMPLE CALCULATION OF NORMALITY

  • Normality = [(%A x SG x 1000)]/GEW
  • Normality = [(%A x SG x 1000 x Valence)]/GMW
  • Calculate how much conc. acid is needed to prepare 1000 ml of a 6N, 1N, and 0.1N HCl solution.

6N = [0.37 x 1.174 x ? x 1]/36; ? = 497 ml HCl ~ 500 ml

1N = [0.37 x 1.174 x ? x 1]/36; ? = 83 ml HCl

0.1N = [0.37 x 1.174 x ? x 1]/36; ? = 8.3 ml HCl

Contact Faculty and Staff Here

Chairperson Division of Science and Math
Dr. Adam Parr
Phone: (340) 693-1231
Fax: (340) 693-1245

Contact me at rstolz@uvi.edu 

Chemistry Professor
Dr. Stan Latesky
Phone: (340) 693-1247
Fax: (340) 693-1148

Contact me at slatesk@uvi.edu 

Chemistry Professor
Dr. Tom Archibald
Phone: (340) 693-1252
Fax: (340) 693-1245

Contact me at tarchib@uvi.edu 

Chemistry Professor
Dr. Omar Christian
Phone: (340) 693-1383
Fax: (340) 693-1148

Contact me at jcarrol@uvi.edu 

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