Introduction of Differential Scanning Calorimetry in a General Chemistry Laboratory Course: Determination of Molar Mass by Freezing Point Depression

Abstract

In many first-year general chemistry undergraduate courses, colligative properties of solutions are commonly discussed. However, even though these colligative properties are discussed in class they are infrequently reinforced in the general chemistry laboratory setting with actual examples and experiments. There have been experiments done in general chemistry laboratories for the determination of molar mass by freezing point depression using classical methodology. Today, it has become increasingly important to incorporate modern techniques and instrumentation into the general chemistry curriculum to provide a more hands-on and meaningful learning environment for the general chemistry students. This enables the reinforcement of subjects and concepts from the lecture into the laboratory. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a rugged, easy-to-use instrumental method for the determination of various thermodynamic properties. The work described herein incorporates DSC to determine the molar mass of an un...