Contemporary Undergraduate Qualitative Analysis: Use of CCD‐Based Raman, Atomic Emission, and Reflectance Spectrometers

Abstract

The classic undergraduate qualitative analysis is upgraded using a new generation of user‐friendly, low‐cost spectral instruments: (1) atomic emission spectrometer for identification of alkali and alkaline earth metals; (2) Raman spectrometer for identification of polyatomic ions; and (3) reflectance UV‐Vis spectrometer for enhancement of color spot tests on metal ions. Qualitative analysis of various inorganic samples using both traditional and modern spectral methods is described.

Keywords:

• Atomic emission spectroscopy
• CCD detector
• chemical education
• fiber optics
• qualitative analysis
• Raman spectroscopy
• reflectance spectroscopy

Acknowledgments

This laboratory setup was tested with chemistry and forensic chemistry students at SUNY College at Buffalo in 2004–2006; without their patience and helpful comments, this project could not have been accomplished. The financial support from OceanOptics Inc. (educational grant B132) and SUNY SCAP 2004 and 2005 grants is gratefully acknowledged. The authors thank Dr. Monde Qhobosheane (OceanOptics Inc.) for reading and commenting on the article.

Notes

The authors were invited to contribute this paper to a special issue of the journal entitled “Undergraduate Research and Education in Spectroscopy.” This special issue was organized by Associate Editor David J. Butcher, Professors of Chemistry at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA.