CH 461 & 461H primarily covers instrumental analysis and sample preparation in analytical chemistry for chemistry majors. This is the first term of the junior level Integrated Laboratory sequence for chemistry majors. Students learn to integrate experimental techniques and ideas from analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry to solve multidiscipline problems. Small class size of 24 students.  E.Chem I, CH 362, is a prereq and co-requisites are CH 421 and CH 440 (can be taken simultaneously with CH 461 lab).  A special project of the student's own design is a major component of this course. Some examples of special projects done in the past are given below.

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(2019)

Course Learning Outcomes

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Handbook of Useful Information

Supplemental Materials
Spreadsheet Info, Instrumentation Specs, etc.
updated 11/11/19

Photos of Students Using Instruments
 

updated 10/28/19
 

The Special Project is an important component of CH 461. For a list of titles for other special projects done by past Experimental Chemistry II students click here.  A real world sample is chosen by the student for analysis. Student projects from the last few years include:

• Determination of Ethanol in Mouthwash via Quantitative FTIR-HATR Analysis. .
• Elucidation of Methanol Concentrations in Commercial and Wine Fortifying Brandies (GC-FID). .
• Analysis of Pesticides in Organic versus Nonorganic Oranges (GCMS).
• Comparison of Metal Concentrations in Organic vs Non-organic Coffee by ICP AES.
• Comparison of Trace Metals in Organic and Nonorganic Cucurbita Seeds by ICPAES.
• Polyphenolic Content in Organic and Nonorganic Red Delicious Apples. (HPLC) .
• Determination of Formaldehyde Concentration in Sunsilk Shampoo (precolumn derivatization/HPLC).

• Determination and Detection of Methylparaben and Proplyparaben in Oral Liquid. (by HPLC).

• Determination of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Pb in Fine Particulate Street Sediment from Ashland, OR, by ICPAES.
• Analysis of Elemental Mercury in Commonly Consumed Fish by ICPAES.
• Essential Elements Analysis in Meat and Veal (dry ashing/ICPAES).
• GCMS Comparison of an Unknown Gunpowder and IMR-700x based on Nitroglycerin Content.
• Determination of Metals in Drinking Water in Oldest Buildings on Campus Using ICP-AES.  
• Dyes in mouthwash: separation and concentration using fiber optic dip probe and OceanOptics CCD detection. 2007.
• Macro- and Micro-mineral Determination in Fish using Microwave Digestion and ICPAES.
• The determination of Epicatechin and Catechin in Cocoa Powder by HPLC.
• Kinetic Determination of Alcohol in Beer using CCD Detection.
• Analysis of Primary Influent and Secondary Effluent from Corvallis Waste Water Treatment Facility for Several Metals by ICP-AES.
• Metals in Makeup Using ICPAES.
• Dirty Soil?  Heavy Metal Analysis of Organic Growers Club Farm Soil. 
• Microwave Digestion and ICP AES Evaluation of Metal Concentrations in #2 Diesel and Biodiesel.   
• Analysis of Dual Stage Sanitary Landfill Leachate Treatment of Heavy and Toxic Metals.(ICP-AES)
• Analysis of Vitamin C in Frozen Green Beans using CCD OOI Detection.

• Determination of Caffeine Concentrations in Over-the Counter Migraine Medicines using HPLC. 

• ICP-AES Analysis of Cu Diffusion From Cu (HCO₂)₂ Into HafSOx Thin Films.
• Toluene Concentrations in Commercial Gasoline by GCMS.
• Arsenic Concentration in Tobacco by ICPAES. .
• Benzene in Beverages using Purge Trap GCMS.
• Spectrophotometric Determination Of Ethanol In Wine.
• Determination of Vitamin B12 in Sports Drinks via HPLC.
• Vodka Urban Legend.
• Analysis of Selenium in Brazil Nuts. 
• Determination of Caffeine in Lindt’s Dark and Milk Chocolate.  
• Determination of Vitamin E in Fortified and Non-Fortified Eggs.  
• Elemental Composition Analysis on the Lower Salmon River by ICPAES. 
• Determination of the Nicotine Content of Tobacco in Common Tobacco Products by GCMS. 
• Selenium Blood Level of the Cows at the Moser Farm. (ICP-AES)
• Determination of the Presence of Benzylsuccinic Acid in Ground Water. (derivatization and GC/MS)
• Analysis of Octane Boosters.  (GC/MS)
• Determination of Menthone in Peppermint Oil and Altoid Candy by GCMS.
• Fluoride in Cattle Bones by Ion Selective Electrode.
• Flame AA Analysis for Mg²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Na⁺ in Natural Water Samples from Newport Bay, OR.
• Determination of Nickel Toxicity in the Coos Bay Slough. (AA)