Samantha Tang

The 24 Principles of Green Engineering and Green Chemistry: “IMPROVEMENTS PRODUCTIVELY”

Samantha Tang, Richard Bourne, Richard Smith and Martyn Poliakoff suggest a condensed 24 Principles of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, with the mnemonic “IMPROVEMENTS PRODUCTIVELY”

Remote-controlled experiments with cloud chemistry

Developing cleaner chemical processes often involves sophisticated flow-chemistry equipment that is not available in many economically developing countries. For reactions where it is the data that are important rather than the physical product, the networking of chemists across the internet to allow remote experimentation offers a viable solution to this problem.

Photooxidation and dark thermal oxidation of 1-butene on cationic forms of zeolite Y: a spectroscopic study

Na, Sr, Ca, Mg and La-containing samples of zeolite Y were employed for the photooxidation of 1-butene with UV-visible light at ambient temperatures. The reactions yielded combinations of saturated and unsaturated carbonyl compounds depending on the process parameters and the type of the material utilised. Oxidation of the alkene on cationic forms of zeolite Y was also achieved in dark conditions at 30 °C. Our results demonstrated that both activity and selectivity of the oxidation were strongly affected by the cation size to charge ratio and the reaction conditions.

The periodic table: icon and inspiration

To start this discussion meeting on the new chemistry of the elements held on 12 May 2014, Martyn Poliakoff, Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society, was invited to give the opening remarks. As a chemist and a presenter of the popular online video channel ‘The periodic table of videos’, Martyn communicates his personal and professional interest in the elements to the public, who in turn use these videos both as an educational resource and for entertainment purposes. Ever since Mendeleev’s first ideas for the periodic table were published in 1869, the table has continued to grow as new elements have been discovered, and it serves as both icon and inspiration; its form is now so well established that it is recognized the world over as a symbol for science. This paper highlights but a few of the varied forms that the table can take, such as an infographic, which can convey the shortage of certain elements with great impact.

'The periodic table of videos': an excellent bridge between university research and the high school chemistry classroom = 'The periodic table of videos': un excel·lent pont entre la recerca universitària i la docència a secundària

Teachers and professors know that excitement within the class and school lab is a key factor for promoting vocations. With this article we want to show an interesting project developed from the University of Nottingham that has this objective. «The periodic table of videos» (PTOV) has become an excellent bridge between university research and the high school chemistry classroom. This proposal aims to increase scientific vocations in students and give a better view of chemistry and scientific culture in society