Enhancing research for undergraduates through a nanotechnology training program that utilizes analytical and bioanalytical tools.

Nanotechnology is a broad field combining traditional scientific disciplines; however, analytical chemistry plays an important role in material design, synthesis, characterization, and application. This article emphasizes the uniqueness of nanotechnology and the importance of providing high-quality undergraduate research experiences to both attract and retain talented individuals to the field of nanotechnology. In response to this need to develop a strong and sustainable nanotechnology work force, strategies to create authentic research experiences are considered within the framework of an interdisciplinary nanotechnology environment at West Virginia University.

Rate and product studies with dimethyl phosphorochloridate and phosphorochloridothionate under solvolytic conditions.

The specific rates of solvolysis of dimethyl phosphorochloridate and of dimethyl phosphorochloridothionate are very well correlated using the extended Grunwald-Winstein equation, with incorporation of the NT solvent nucleophilicity scale and the YCl solvent ionizing power scale. The sensitivity parameters (l and m) are similar to each other and also similar to previously recorded values for solvolyses of arenesulfonyl chlorides, which were proposed to follow a concerted displacement mechanism. For solvolyses in aqueous ethanol or aqueous methanol the product selectivities (S) are close to unity.