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. The program, named NanoSAFE Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), embeds students in different departments at West Virginia University and in research laboratories within the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. A large number of participants have little or no prior research experience and a strong effort is made to recruit applicants from under-represented populations. Components designed to foster research proficiency include frequent reporting, a strong peer-network, and training for secondary mentors. Evidence, which includes student publications and assessment findings demonstrating self-efficacy, is discussed to substantiate the viability of the strategies used in the 2016-2018 program. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

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. For solvolyses in aqueous 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, the values are too small to accurately measure, showing a very large preference for product formation involving nucleophilic attack by the water component. It is concluded that the chloride and chloridothionate solvolyses, in common with the solvolyses of arenesulfonyl chlorides, follow a concerted displacement mechanism.