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Chapter 1: Introduction
A. Goals for the Semester
Welcome to the Lycoming College Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry! We’re glad you decided to
enroll in chemistry and we want everyone to have a successful first semester. The goals of this first semester
of chemistry lab are as follows:

 To introduce you to the ideas of measurement of various physical, chemical, and spectroscopic
properties of chemical compounds.
 To introduce you to selected types of scientific equipment.
 To introduce you to the ideas of error and level of certainty in scientific measurement.
 To introduce you to laboratory safety, and the proper handling/disposal of chemical compounds.
 To allow you to develop your knowledge of chemistry and laboratory practice.
 To allow you to gain experience in record keeping, conveying results, and forming conclusions of
chemical experiments.
 To introduce you to the culture of successful chemists - showing up on time, being prepared, and
focusing on the task at hand.

B. Safety in the Chemical Laboratory

The majority of the procedures you will be using have some potential danger. Therefore, safe practices in
the lab will be of utmost importance.
Six general areas of concern in the chemistry laboratory are:
1. Safety glasses or goggles - Safety glasses or goggles must be purchased and worn at all times in this
laboratory! There will be no exception since eye tissue is very sensitive and given its location, very
vulnerable. Also, we recommend you do not wear soft contact lenses in the laboratory since chemical
vapors tend to be absorbed by the contact lens material, which can lead to eye irritation.

2. Toxicity – Many compounds have a significant degree of toxicity (and/or carcinogenicity,

mutagenicity, teratogenicity, etc.). You should strive to minimize personal contact with the chemicals
you will be using. For the most part chemistry experiments have been selected which use fairly
innocuous compounds. However, it is in your best interest to assume all of the compounds you use
are hazardous. You should wear disposable gloves during the experiment (as provided in the
laboratory) and ALWAYS wash your hands prior to leaving the lab.

3. Flammability – Many compounds, especially organic ones, are quite flammable. For this reason, the
use of open flames of any kind will be minimized in this lab. Heating mantles, hot plates, and hot
water baths will be used to provide heat in a safe manner.

4. Safety Equipment - Safety eye wash stations, safety showers, fire blankets, first aid kits, and fire
extinguishers are present in or near each laboratory. Be sure you learn their location and how to use
each of these pieces of safety equipment.

5. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)- Anyone who comes in contact with chemicals in the workplace or at school
has a right to know what harmful effects these materials can cause, as well as how to safely dispose
of them. This information for each chemical compound the department possesses can be found on
the manufacturer’s website.
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6. Other Safety Rules

Safety rules for the General Chemistry Laboratory will be found on pages 9-14. You will be also be
asked to read and sign the Lycoming College Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratory
Regulations found on pages 15-16.

C. Waste Disposal
Many compounds are not only toxic but they are also pollutants and therefore harmful if disposed of
improperly. For this reason, we will be performing our experiments on a fairly small scale (to minimize waste
generation) and you will be provided with specific instructions for waste disposal for each experiment. If you
are not sure about disposal, always ask the instructor.

D. Washing Glassware
It is important to wash all of your glassware at the conclusion of each experiment. Following this procedure
will allow you to begin each experiment promptly when you enter the lab. In most cases your glassware can
be cleaned with water and test tube brushes and detergent. Lab procedures will explicitly mention how to
clean in cases where other strategies are best employed for cleaning your equipment.

E. Courtesy in the Laboratory

We have a few common sense-type rules that fall in this category. Part of your lab grade is based on a
qualitative assessment of how well you conform to the following:

 Come to lab prepared. If you've read the experiment ahead of time you will be able to get your work
done much more efficiently. Also, if you have cleaned and dried your glassware from the previous
week's experiment you will be a step ahead also.

 Be sure to keep common areas of the lab clean. Several places in the lab are used by all students
(the balances, reagent dispensing area, waste disposal area, etc.). Any time you make a mess in these
areas, CLEAN IT UP!!

 Before you leave the lab clean up your bench space. There are multiple lab sections for this course.
The next person who uses this space will thank you.

Grade deductions are quite possible if these points are not carried out to the
satisfaction of the instructors.

F. The Laboratory Notebook

Your laboratory notebook should be a complete record of all you do in the lab and outside of it for a particular
experiment. Think in your lab notebook! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in it since it shows you are thinking
and working! Cross out mistakes with a single line and continue on (i.e. cross out mistakes like this). You
should still be able to read what is behind the cross out. There is no need to blackout or scribble across an
incorrect entry. In fact, in most industrial laboratories, it is unethical to do so!
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A lab write-up (or lab report) will be prepared for each experiment. The laboratory write-up is concise, legible,
and provides sufficient information for the experiment to be repeated by another (experiments that can't be
repeated are worthless). Accurate record-keeping is crucial to meaningful science and will be emphasized in
this course. The format of the lab write-up is described below and a sample write-up follows. You will be
expected to follow this format for your lab write-ups. Consult your course syllabus for due dates.

NOTE: Lab reports are to be handed in at the very beginning of the pre-laboratory period in which they are due.
The penalty for late reports is 10% per school day. Day 1 begins as soon as the pre-laboratory lecture begins!

Here are a few basic concepts for accurate record keeping:

 Use a bound notebook with numbered, removable, duplicate pages (available in the campus
bookstore or online). You will turn in the duplicate copy for your lab report, keep the original copy.
 You should NEVER remove original pages from your notebook! If you make an error on a page just
cross it out and continue on the same page or start a new page.
 Label the notebook with your name, course, and section on the outside cover. That way in case if it
gets lost, it can be returned to the proper student.
 Use ONLY a blue or black ink pen to record your results. No pencil is allowed.
 On the first page, construct a Table of Contents. Add listings as you progress through the semester.
 Each page must have your name, the name of the experiment (shortened version is fine), and the
date.

G. The Lab Report

The general format for your Lab Report for each experiment is as follows:

Handed in at the beginning of the lab session (prior to the pre-lab lecture) where that experiment is performed.
 Title
 Objective
 Approach

Handed in at the end of the lab session where it is collected before you leave.
 Experimental (Data plus Observations)

Handed in on the lab report due date, prior to pre-lab lecture (on syllabus – usually next week after the lab is
completed).
 Results
 Conclusions
 Answers to Post-Lab Questions
 Report Forms

ALL SECTIONS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR A COMPLETE LAB REPORT!

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DESCRIPTION OF EACH LAB REPORT SECTION

Title:
The name of the experiment.

Objective:
This is the purposes or goals of the experiment. The title almost always mentions one of the main goals. Other
goals should be obvious from reading the experiment. This section should only be a few sentences long.

Approach:
This is a step-by-step procedure of the laboratory in list or paragraph form. It describes, in detail, what you will
need to do in the lab for the experiment. This is NOT a copy of the laboratory procedure directly out of the
laboratory manual.

Experimental Section:
In your lab notebook, your data and DETAILED observations should be clearly recorded at the time they are made.
Make sure each entry is clearly labeled and record units (for example, mass (g), volume (mL), temperature (°C))
where appropriate. Record things such as phase changes, color changes, gas evolution, heat evolution, etc.
Whenever you record an observation make sure you describe the stage of the experiment at which the
observation was made. The basic idea is that anyone who had the lab procedure and your notebook should be
able to exactly reproduce your experiment and write a lab report, using your data and observations.

Think in your notebook. Record steps, data, observations, hypotheses right in there. Be clear, concise, and
complete. If multiple measurements of the same type are made, construct a table. If a complicated apparatus is
required, draw a picture. Write out your work clearly and legibly for each calculation (with units!).

*Make sure to note any mistakes or errors that happened during the experiment, as these will likely affect your
results (and you need to have them here if you refer to them in your Conclusions). For example, if you spill a
small amount of a weighed sample, make a note of it.

Results:
Besides the recorded experimental data turned in the previous week, this section should include observations,
further calculations, graphs, and thoughts on the experiment. See the Experimental section above for more
details. For all calculations, you must show all work and units in your lab notebook! Clearly show the answer and
make sure it has both proper units and correct significant figures.

Conclusions:
This is the most important part of the lab report! It shows what you have done and learned from the experiment. It
is always a good idea to look at your objectives and address each in the conclusions. Summarize the values
found (underline these) and analyze the data and results, including error analysis. You should look at any observed
errors that occurred in the lab (recorded in Experimental section) and consider how they might have affected
your results.
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One of the basic criteria to judge your data is by precision (how reproducible your data was). For many
experiments, there will be two or more trials done and the goodness of agreement of your data may be judged
from the data’s error (standard deviation or uncertainty). This works best for three of more trials.

Another criteria that is used to judge your data is accuracy (how close the results are to the actual value) if
possible. If a literature value is available, compare your results to it (and make sure to cite the source of this
literature value). Compare the accuracy of your results first using absolute error. If your measured value is 110
“units” and the literature value is 100 units, the absolute error is 10 units (since 110 -100 = 10). Next, discuss
accuracy in terms of relative error. The relative error in this case is 10 units/100 units = 10%.

Typically, a portion of your lab grade will be dependent on precision and accuracy of your data. Coming to lab
prepared and working carefully will greatly help your accuracy and precision scores.

Post-Lab Questions:
Answer questions in your lab notebook using complete sentences or clearly arranged calculations (show your
work). Brief phrases or answers are not adequate. If an answer is ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or very brief, you must go on to
explain why that is the case in more detail.

Report Forms:
These will include summary spreadsheets and/or tables to be completed and turned in with the lab reports.

*Most Common Mistakes in Student Lab Reports*

1. Not following the correct format for the lab report.

2. Insufficient observations. Noting masses, volumes, melting/boiling point and the

physical appearance of the final product is an absolute must!

3. Improper calculations.

4. Not showing all your work when doing calculations.

5. Not showing all units.

6. Improper use of significant figures.

7. Insufficient labeling of spectra and chromatograms.

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SAMPLE LABORATORY REPORT

Larry Laboratory
Dumas Method, 10-Sep-2019

Title:
Molar Mass of Solvent by the Dumas Method

Objective:
To determine the molar mass of the assigned solvent in the Qualitative Organic Analysis experiment. This is
accomplished by using the maximum temperature of the heating bath, the volume, and mass of a vaporized
sample of the unknown solvent. Along with the atmospheric pressure and the Ideal Gas Law, the number of
moles of the solvent sample can be determined. If I know the mass and the corresponding number of moles,
molar mass (g/mol) can be calculated. This helps greatly in the determination of the identity of the solvent.

Approach:
I will follow what is known as the Dumas Method to determine the molar mass of the solvent. I will heat a
portion of the solvent in a flask of known volume until the flask contains only solvent vapor at the heating
bath temperature and prevailing atmospheric pressure. I will then use the ideal gas law to calculate moles
and measure grams of my condensed solvent. I will then be able to calculate the molar mass of my solvent.

Experimental: (Turn in at the end of the day the experiment is performed)

Trial 1 –

After adding the unknown liquid (clear, colorless) to the Erlenmeyer flask, covering it with Al foil with
a pinhole, and heating, I noticed the liquid volume decreasing, and finally disappearing. I removed
the flask from the heat and quickly measured the temperature of the heating bath (118 oC). A few
droplets of liquid reappeared in the flask as it cooled. After drying the outside, I weighed the flask
(the droplets weighed 0.2803g). The volume of the flask was determined to be 124 mL. The
barometer showed the atmospheric pressure was 0.987 atm.

I then determined the molar mass for this trial.

Step 1. Using the Ideal Gas Law of PV=nRT, I calculated the moles (n) of vapor which occupied the
flask. R = 0.08206 L.atm.K-1.mol-1:

n = PV = (0.987 atm)(124 mL)(1 L/1000mL) = 3.80 x 10-3 moles (3 s.f.)

RT (0.08206 L.atm/mol.K)(118 °C + 273 K)

Step 2. Once the moles of the unknown liquid are known, calculate the molar mass:

molar mass = mass = 0.2803 g = 73.7 g/mol (3 s.f.)

-3
moles 3.80 x 10 mol
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Trial 2 –After adding the unknown liquid (clear, colorless) to the Erlenmeyer flask, covering it with Al foil with
a pinhole, and heating, I noticed the liquid volume decreasing, and finally disappearing. I removed the flask
from the heat and quickly measured the temperature of the heating bath (116oC). A few droplets of liquid
reappeared in the flask as it cooled. After drying the outside, I weighed the flask (droplets are 0.2753 g). The
volume of the flask and atmospheric pressure were unchanged.

Step 1. n = PV = (0.987 atm)(124mL)(1 L/1000mL) = 4.01 x 10-3 moles (3 s.f.)

RT (0.08206 L.atm/ mol.K)(116°C + 273 K)

Step 2. molar mass = mass = 0.2753 g = 72.4 g/mol (3 s.f.)

moles 4.01 x 10-3 mol

Results:
See the experimental above. All the results and calculations are done there.

Other observations from the experiment:

 The liquid solvent and its vapor are both colorless.
 The re-condensed solvent is also colorless.
 The glycerin used for the heating bath was slightly yellowed. It did not boil.
 I used approximately 0.7 mL of the unknown solvent in each trial to start.
 The pinhole in the Al foil tore a little by the 2nd trial. This may have led to excess evaporation of the
solvent out of the flask, which would lead to a lower condensed mass (because some leaked out of
the bigger hole before it could condense) and ultimately a falsely low molar mass.

Conclusions:
Using the BP from the distillation last week (114-116oC) and the molar mass determined this week (73.7 and
72.4 g/mol in the two trials), the best solvent matches are 1-butanol and 2-butanol, which both have a molar
mass of 74.1 g/mol. The average molar mass of my two trials is 73.1 g/mol. Assuming the unknown solvent
is one of these two butanol isomers, the absolute error for the average of the experimental values is 1.0
g/mol with a relative error of 13% (1.0 g/mol/74.1 g/mol x 100%). The measured BP is somewhat high for 2-
butanol (literature BP = 98oC*) and a little low for 1-butanol (literature BP = 117oC*). The IR spectrum to
be taken next week might help to distinguish between these two possibilities. Those two definitely match
better than the next best fit, toluene (literature BP = 111.1oC, molar mass 92.2 g/mol). A possible source of
error was the Al foil tore in one of the trials. This may have led to excess evaporation of the solvent out of
the flask, which could have led to a falsely lower molar mass.
*BP’s from the Sigma-Aldrich Catalog, 2019 version

Post-Lab Questions:
A. …..
B. …..

Report Forms:
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H. Academic Honesty
All work that you do for a grade in this lab (unless otherwise noted) must be your own! If you consult outside
sources (such as a catalog, reference book, web page, etc.) for supplemental information, you must cite these
sources in your lab report.

Similarly, you must do all the parts of your lab report yourself – this is not a group project. You may not turn
in someone else’s work as yours, nor may you allow someone else to copy your work and turn it in as their
own. It is acceptable to work with someone else to understand the concepts involved, but the actual
calculations, conclusions, work, answers to questions, etc. must be entirely your own work. As an example of
this point, it would be fine to work with others on gas law problems (from the textbook or examples from
lecture) to make sure you understand how to do them, but when you actually do calculations on your data
for a grade as part of a lab, all of those calculations would have to be done by you alone. Plagiarism is a very
serious offense, and can result in failing the laboratory, failing the course, or even probation or dismissal from
the college.

Finally, please note that revisions are made to the laboratory procedures, calculations, and questions every
year. The only work that will be accepted for a grade is that based on this year’s lab manual. Any work based
on a previous year’s lab manual or another student’s assignment will not be graded (i.e. will receive a zero)
and may be subject to other penalties for academic dishonesty.
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Safety in the General Chemistry Laboratory (Heim 241)

General
 All students must pass the Safety Quiz and sign a Safety Contract before working in the lab.
 Safety goggles must be worn at all times by anyone in the chemistry lab. There will be no exception
to this rule.
 You will be doing lab experiments that require hazardous chemicals. To ensure a safe chemistry lab
you need to follow all safety rules given and all written and verbal instructions given for each
experiment.
 All safety rules will be strictly enforced. Ignoring or failing to follow any safety rule or instruction will
result in your being dismissed from the lab.

Safety Equipment
Know the locations/operations and use of the following emergency equipment:
1. Fire extinguishers (2) are each attached to the wall.
2. Red fire alarm is on the wall at eyelevel in the hallway.
3. Fire blanket is stored inside a labeled red box attached to the wall in the balance room. The blanket
is to be used on clothing that caught fire. The blanket can also be used to cover a shock victim.
4. Safety shower is located in the entrance of Dr. Saunders office (exit through emergency exit door to
access). When the handle is pulled down, a supply of water will be falling down to flush off the entire
body and clothing in case of large serious chemical splashes.
5. Eye wash station is located on the instructor bench. It is connected to a length of pull-out hose. When
in operation, small fountains of water are directed upward.
6. Fume Hoods (3) are located around the perimeter of the room. These are used to exhaust toxic or
nauseous gases from the room.
7. First aid kit is stored inside a labeled white box above the fire blanket in the balance room.
8. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) (2) This is for neutralizing acid spills and is found near the sinks in
the laboratory.
9. Spill kit is in a labeled bucket in the front of the lab. It is to be used for large chemical spills on counter
top or floor.
10. Emergency phone number This is found on the wall near the entrance door to the lab.
11. Emergency Exits Know what to do in case of emergency. Be familiar of all lab and building exits to
use in case of emergency evacuation (seen in diagram near entrance door).

Getting ready for The Chemistry Lab

1. You should prepare in advance for the lab by reading and understanding the assigned experiment to
avoid accidents due to lack of comprehension of the procedure, techniques, or equipment involved
in the experiment and be familiar with all safety precautions. If you have any questions about the
lab procedure, ask your instructor.
2. Make a note of what you do not understand so it can be discussed at the beginning of the lab session
during pre-lab. Pay close attention to safety instructions and other possible hazards associated with
the particular experiment.
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3. If you do not understand the instructions or part of the procedure, or if you are not sure of which
chemical to use, ask the instructor or TA (not your classmate).
4. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times. You must assume responsibility of the safety
for yourself and for your neighbors. The lab is a community where students are watching out for
each other safety as well as for themselves.
5. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, check with your physician prior to working in lab.
6. Know what to do if there is a fire drill or other emergency during a lab period; container lids must be
closed and gas valves/electrical equipment should be turned off.

General Rules of Conduct

1. Students are not permitted in the chemistry lab without the presence of the instructor. No student
may work in the lab without the instructor’s approval.
2. Only the authorized scheduled experiment can be performed in the lab. No unauthorized experiment
is allowed.
3. You are not allowed to alter the procedure of the lab experiment, unless told to do so by your
instructor. Carefully follow all steps.
4. Eating, drinking, chewing gum and applying cosmetics (i.e., Chapstick) are not allowed in the lab. No
food or drink is allowed in the lab to avoid possible contamination. Chewing gum may absorb
chemicals from the laboratory. Keep water bottles outside of lab!
5. Keep your work area neat and clean. During the lab period, store your books and bags in the
designated area in the laboratory (near entrance door). Do not store belongings on top of the lab
bench.
6. Keep shared areas of the laboratory clean. This includes areas such as the balance room, area where
the stock bottles/equipment is kept, and fume hoods. It is especially important to keep the balance
clean and free of any chemical spills.
7. Be alert. Notify the instructor immediately if you notice unexpected chemical reaction of your
experiment or any unsafe condition.
8. Experiments must be monitored while reactions are taking place or when heating. Do not leave it
unattended.
9. Absolutely, no disruptive behavior in the lab. No fooling around.
10. Do not run or walk quickly through the lab. Before you back up, look behind you to make sure no
student is behind you that you might bump into.
11. Do not get involved in social conversation in the lab; focus on your work and avoid distraction.
12. If you accidentally mix the wrong chemicals or do not follow the instructions, tell the instructor
immediately.
13. Damaged or exposed electric cords can cause electrocution if touched or fire if exposed to water.
a. Avoid using any faulty equipment or damaged electric cords. Report it immediately to your
instructor.
b. Hands must be completely dry when handling electric plugs. Grasp the electrical plug (not
the cord) when removing it from the socket.
c. When using a hot plate make sure that the cord is not touching the hot surface of the hot
plate. The cord will melt and expose electrical wires.
14. Wash your hands as often as possible, especially before leaving the lab. Be careful not to touch your
eyes or other body areas without thoroughly washing your hands first.
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15. Report all accidents (chemical spill, broken glass, etc.) or injuries (burn, cut, chemical splash etc.) no
matter how minor to the instructor immediately.
16. Inform the instructor if you feel ill while working in the lab.
17. Before leaving the laboratory, see that:
a. Your work area is thoroughly cleaned. Use a wet paper towel for cleaning.
b. Floor areas, fume hoods, and sink areas are clean.
c. You wash your hands, and any other area of skin that has contacted lab equipment or lab
benches such as your arms.

Dress Code for the Lab

If you come to the lab dressed inappropriately, you will be asked to leave!
1. At all times, students must wear approved safety goggles.
2. Contact lenses should not be worn in the lab. Vapors and toxic fumes may get trapped beneath the
contact lenses and harm your eyes.
3. Wear clothes that provide maximum protection and cover most of the skin. Shorts and sandals are
not allowed. Wear clothes that cover your entire torso and your entire legs (including ankles). You
must wear closed-toe shoes. Clothes should be made of natural materials, such as cotton, that do
not catch fire as easily as synthetic materials.
4. Long hair, extremely loose clothing or clothes with long loose sleeves, and dangling jewelry can get
caught and become a hazard. Avoid loose clothing and tie long hair back.

Working with Chemicals

Treat all chemicals in the laboratory as though they are hazardous!

1. Do not touch, eat, or smell any chemical unless instructed to do so. When instructed to smell a
chemical, you need to fan the air above the chemical toward your nose. Do not sniff the chemical
directly by bringing it close to your nose. If you do so, the odor may badly irritate your nasal passage.
2. Do not touch your face, eyes, or mouth while in laboratory. If you must do so, first wash your hands.
3. Hold chemical containers away from your body.
4. Carefully check the label on the bottle before using its content. Make sure it is the correct chemical
and correct concentration.
5. Do not contaminate chemicals
a. Never put your spatula in to remove solid chemicals from a bottle. If you do so, you will be
contaminating the chemical. Instead, pour solid directly into your container by tilting the
bottle and rotating it to control the amount dispensed.
b. Never put your eye dropper into a reagent bottle. If you do so, you will be contaminating the
reagent. Instead, pour some liquid into your container, and then use your eye dropper to
take as much as you need from the container.
c. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers. If you do so, you will be
contaminating it. Dispose of the leftover in the proper “waste container”. Check with your
instructor if you are unsure on what to do with the leftover.
6. Do not waste chemicals; do not take more than what is required. Chemicals used in the laboratory
are costly.
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7. Never move a reagent bottle to your bench unless instructed to do so. Leave the bottle at its
designated area. Take your own container to the reagent bench to dispense the necessary amount
of reagent that you will take back to your lab bench.
8. Always hold all reagent bottles at the labels. Wipe any drips that may take place on the other side
of the bottle before putting it back. Be sure the bottle is dry before replacing it.
9. Handle corrosive chemicals with extreme care. When diluting a concentrated acid, you must always
add the acid slowly to the water while stirring to avoid spattering and releasing the heat all at once.
In other words, ADD ACID. Never do the reverse for the result could be quite hazardous.
10. Never pipette by mouth.
11. Always store chemicals in labeled containers. The etched white part on beakers and flasks is good
for applying labels and markings using sharpies.
12. Handle toxic fumes produced by your experiment under the fume hood. Keep the fume hood sash
down as far as possible.
13. Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources.
14. Never remove chemicals from the laboratory unless under explicit direction of the lab instructor
(except the use at the balance or instrument room).
15. Alcohol used in lab is chemically denatured. It has been tainted with poison to make it unsuitable
for drinking.
16. Fill wash bottle only with deionized water. Use deionized water when instructed to add it in an
experiment or for a final rinsing of glassware.
17. Place solids into a beaker or weighing paper before weighing on a balance. See that the balance is
clean when finished. Brush off any spills. Take care in the use of the balances, they are expensive.
18. After dispensing chemical from a container, replace the stopper or lid immediately.

Disposal of Chemicals:
Carefully, follow instructions on the disposal of waste chemicals. You will be instructed to dispose of
chemicals into designated waste containers or down the sink with copious amounts of water. Make sure to
check the labels of all waste containers before you dispose of any chemical waste.

Working with Glassware

1. Do not use cracked or chipped glassware. Get replacement from the stockroom.
2. Most accidents in the chemistry labs are due to inserting and removing glass tubes and thermometers
from rubber stoppers. Always lubricate the glass tube before inserting it in a rubber stopper and hold
it close to the end near the stopper. Protect your hands with a towel when inserting glass tubing.
Insert carefully with a gentle twisting motion. DO NOT force it. If not successful, ask for help from the
instructor.
3. Any broken glass must be cleaned up immediately. Do not touch broken glass and do not attempt to
clean broken glassware yourself, unless instructed to do so. The instructor will clean up broken glass
using dustpan and brush. Broken glass will be placed in a special bin labeled “Broken Glass”. Search
the floor and lab bench for any small pieces of broken glass.
4. Lay a thermometer on a towel to cool, away from the edge of the lab bench.
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Working with HOT Glassware/ Equipment

1. Heated metals, glassware and ceramics stay hot for a long time. Allow plenty of time for a hot metal
to cool before touching it. Since you cannot tell from the appearance of the
metal, glass, or ceramics that it is still hot, you should test it by cautiously bringing the back of your
hand close to the metal to feel if heat is radiating from it.
2. Handle hot objects like a beaker, evaporating dish, and crucible with Hot Hands. Evaporating dishes
and crucibles can be heated to very high temperatures. They will crack and shatter if placed hot on
the lab bench or come into contact with water. Therefore, they should be placed on wire gauze or
wood block to cool. Do not place hot evaporating dishes or crucibles on your lab manual.
3. When heating liquid in test tube, hold the test tube with the test tube holder such that it is pointing
along the length of the lab bench. The open end of the test tube should point away from yourself and
your neighbors.
4. Do not heat a closed container. Pressure build up may cause the container to explode.
5. Do not allow hot glassware to come in contact with cold water. It will shatter.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF ACCIDENT?

 Any accident or injury to you or another person must be reported to the lab instructor
immediately, no matter how small it may seem.
 Help others.

1. Burns
Small burns from touching hot objects should be placed under running cold water for at least 20 minutes.
Major burns need immediate medical attention.

2. Chemicals that come in contact with eyes or face

The eyewash station should be used if chemicals come in contact with eyes or face. Immediately, flush
your eyes with running water from an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes. Open the eyelids with
fingers to force the eyes to stay open while flushing. If wearing contact lens, wash the eyes once, remove
the contacts, then continue washing for at least 15 minutes. Immediately seek medical attention.

3. Chemical Splash on Clothes or Body

a. For smaller chemical spills, rinse with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Get the
instructors attention immediately.
b. For large chemical spills on the body, get under the safety shower immediately, remove clothes
and continue to shower for at least 15 minutes. Get the instructors attention. Further medical
treatment may be needed.
4. Cuts
Small cut should be rinsed. Bandages are available in First -Aid Kit. If bleeding is extensive, apply pressure
on the wound. Seek medical help immediately.
 P a g e | 14

5. Fires
a. When clothing catches fire, STOP, do not run as this enhances a supply of air and increases the
flames. DROP to the floor and ROLL on the floor to smother the flames. Do not run to the fire
blanket. People around you may wrap you with a Fire Blanket to smother the flames and keep it
away from face and neck. Never use a fire extinguisher on a person!
b. Let the instructor handle the Fire Extinguisher. Be prepared to leave the building if situation
escalates (following Emergency Exit diagram). Turn off and secure all lab equipment.
c. For small contained fires, use a cover plate or a watch glass to cover the container; for example,
if a chemical inside a beaker is catching fire.

Reference
Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories-Accident Prevention for College and University Students. A Publication of
American Chemical Society Joint Board-Council Committee on Chemical Safety. 7th Edition-Vol 1.
 P a g e | 15

LYCOMING COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY

REGULATIONS
Failure to observe laboratory rules could result in injury to you or to another student. Students not complying with the
laboratory regulations may be asked to leave the laboratory and may be advised to drop the course.
 You must wear approved safety glasses or goggles at all times. (see next page)

 You must confine long hair and loose/bulky clothing. Wear clothing that completely covers your torso and legs
(including ankles); feet must be completely covered (no shorts, capris, pants with holes in them, tank tops, low cut
shirts, bare midriffs, sandals, open-toed shoes, etc.)

 You must not bring or consume food or beverages, chew gum, apply cosmetics or use tobacco in any form in the
lab. Water bottles must also be stored outside the lab.

 You must avoid or minimize skin contact with all chemicals (gloves are available in each lab).

 You must not do any unauthorized experiments or engage in horseplay.

 You must know where the closest fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire alarms, emergency exits, first aid kits and
safety wash stations (eyewash and shower) are in relation to the lab you are working in. There are detailed signs
posted at each lab entrance with the location of all safety items.

 You must maintain an uncluttered work area at all times. You must hang coats and store backpacks etc. in the
space provided and keep the aisles between work benches free.

 You must see that your area is clean at the end of each laboratory period and that common work areas (balances,
chemical dispensing areas, etc.) are kept neat and orderly during the lab period.

 Access to the laboratory is restricted to the students registered in the course and instructors, no casual visitors.

 You may work in the laboratory outside the scheduled lab period only with instructor approval:
o There must be a chemistry instructor in the building who has given you permission to be there; he/she
must also be informed when you leave. You must have a companion in the lab!

 You must report any accidents, no matter how small, immediately to the instructor.

 You must not remove any chemicals from the laboratory (except to a balance, instrument, or the NMR lab).

 No cell phones, headphones (earbuds), personal music or other electronic equipment may be used in lab.

 You must properly store all equipment and materials and lock drawers/cabinets (if possible) at the end of the lab
period. Glassware needs to be clean before it is stored and any samples must be labeled and placed so they will
not spill or contaminate other items in the drawer.

 You must turn off all gas jets and unplug all electrical equipment at the end of the laboratory period.

 You must always wash your hands when leaving the laboratory for any reason and at the end of the laboratory
period.

 Each chemistry laboratory has slightly different safety rules; you must know the rules of the laboratory in which
you are working. The instructor has the right to reduce your grade for any rule infraction. For a third offense, the
instructor may expel you from the laboratory and give you a zero grade for the experiment.
 P a g e | 16

LABORATORY SAFETY POLICY AND GENERAL PRACTICE

EYE PROTECTION: Approved safety glasses must be worn whenever you enter a laboratory. This applies to
EVERYONE and is not contingent on whether or not you are engaged in an experiment. Students who
already wear eyeglasses must wear safety glasses over them. Safety glasses must be put on as soon as you
open your lab drawer. When you finish your experiment and put your safety glasses away, leave the lab at
once.

Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory. If a chemical enters the eye, it is trapped against the
cornea by the contact lens, increasing the chance of eye damage. Vapors such as NH3 or HCl are absorbed
by some lenses, causing severe irritation or injury. If you choose to wear contact lenses, you must tell the
instructor at the start of the semester.

CHEMICAL DISPOSAL: Many chemicals, when poured down the sink, drain into a municipal sewage plant.
These chemicals can interfere with the natural bacterial action of the plant or harm the environment. Thus,
you must not pour any chemical into a sink drain without approval. Specific disposal procedures will be given
for each experiment including specially labeled receptacles for each toxic waste. If you are unsure about any
procedure, ask your instructor.

FIRE ALARMS: In case of a fire alarm, shut off all equipment (gas, electrical and water), leave the building as
quickly as possible in an orderly manner, and stand clear of the exits so as not to hinder anyone else's exit.
Re-enter the building only when the instructor informs you.

PREGNANCY: The experiments in this course are designed to minimize exposure to harmful substances.
However, a pregnant woman and her fetus are especially vulnerable. If you are pregnant or suspect you may
be, ask your instructor for a list of chemicals used in the experiments. Show the list to your physician and
follow his/her recommendations. Pregnant students are not allowed in lab without the written
recommendation of their physician.

LABORATORY PREPARATION: To work in the laboratory you must be present when the instructor discusses
the experiment and any safety problems. Your instructor has the right to exclude you from the lab if you
miss the pre-lab session.

I have read and I fully understand the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry's laboratory regulations
and safety policies as stated above and I agree to abide by these regulations and policies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name (print): _______________________________ Signature: _________________________________

Date: __________________ Semester/Year: ________________________

Course Name/Number: ______________________ Section: _______________

Do You Wear Contacts? Yes ___________ No___________

With my signature above, I have been informed and understand the hazards of wearing contact lenses in the laboratory by the
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. If I choose to wear contact lenses in the laboratory, I do so at my own risk.

Other: (Allergies, etc.)

 P a g e | 17

INSTRUCTIONS for CHECKING IN

For General Chemistry, you are assigned a lab drawer and a key to it. You are responsible for everything in
your lab drawer.

At check in, you have to make sure that everything you should have in your lab drawer is actually there. If you
are missing something, it will be provided to you. You are responsible for the items in your drawer, but you
are not responsible for the items in the unlocked common drawers (shared with up to five other students).

1. You will be given a key to your lab drawer. You are responsible for it and will have to hand it in at the
end of the semester at check out. Please let the instructor know right away if you lose the key.

2. Take everything out of your lab drawer and place it on the bench top. This includes all glass, corks,
paper, etc. Do not discard any rubber stoppers. Leave stoppers attached to Buchner funnels and
casseroles. Leave rubber policemen on glass stirring rods.

3. Check off your equipment against the checklist (page 16-17) using the pictures of lab equipment as
a guide (pages 18-20). Place all equipment on your benchtop in the order it appears on your checklist.
Place any extra and cracked or badly chipped equipment in the designated place (usually a cart by
the instructor's bench). Make a note of any equipment that is missing on the checklist. Ask the
instructor or TA to obtain the replacement equipment for you.

4. Wash (soap and water) all of your glass equipment and dry completely. Some equipment is difficult
to dry by hand and can air dry in your drawer later. Line your drawer with new clean paper towels.

5. After the instructor or TA has approved your equipment, replace all equipment in your lab drawer,
and lock it. Keep the key to your lab drawer safe and bring it with you each week to lab. Sign and
turn your “Laboratory Apparatus Checklist” sheet into the instructor.
 P a g e | 18

INSTRUCTIONS for CHECKING OUT

In the interest of speedy, efficient checking out, please follow these few simple instructions:

6. Take everything out of your lab drawer and place it on the bench top. This includes all glass, corks,
paper, etc. Do not discard any rubber stoppers. Leave stoppers attached to Buchner funnels and
casseroles. Leave rubber policemen on glass stirring rods.

7. Check off your equipment against the checklist (page 16-17) using the pictures of lab equipment as
a guide (pages 18-20). Place all equipment on your benchtop in the order it appears on your checklist.
Place any extra and cracked or badly chipped equipment in the designated place (usually a cart by
the instructor's bench). Make a note of any equipment that is missing on the checklist. Ask the
instructor or TA to obtain the replacement equipment for you.

8. Wash (soap and water) all your glass equipment and dry completely. Some of your equipment is
difficult to dry and can air-dry in your lab drawer. Use clean paper towels to line your drawer.

9. After the instructor or TA has approved your equipment, replace all equipment in your lab drawer,
and lock it.

10. Turn in your key and signed “Laboratory Apparatus Checklist” sheet into the instructor.

11. Clean the benchtop and surrounding area. (Surrounding area = sink, trough, shelf, and any bottles.)
The benchtop must be sponged off and rinsed WELL.

12. Students are required to clean their equipment and have it checked out, during a scheduled lab
period, before final course grades are released or withdrawal forms are signed. All experiments must
be completed before the week of checkout (no lab work is allowed during checkout).

Failure to checkout may result in a reduction of your course grade!

 P a g e | 19

CHEMISTRY 110-111 LABORATORY APPARATUS CHECK LIST

Name: _______________________________________ Section __________ Lab Drawer #_____________
Check the equipment in your lab drawer against the list below. Note any missing items and obtain these
from the instructor or teaching assistant: return any items in excess.
Check In (Is Item Present?) Check Out (Is Item Present and Clean?)
Lab Drawer Items Number
Check (√) Check (√)
Beaker, 50 mL 1
Beaker, 100 mL 1
Beaker, 150 mL 1
Beaker, 250 mL or 300 mL 2
Beaker, 400 mL 1
Beaker, 600 mL 1
Beaker, 800 mL 1
Casserole (with #3 stopper) 1
Dish, evaporating 1
Eyedropper 2
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 25 mL 2
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 50 mL 1
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 125 mL 2
Flask, Erlenmeyer, 250 mL or 300 mL 2
Flask, filter, 250 mL or 500 mL 1
Funnel, Buchner (with #6 stopper) 1
Funnel, powder 1
Funnel, short stem 1
Graduated cylinder, 10 mL 1
Graduated cylinder, 50 mL 1
Sharpie 1
Litmus paper, blue & red 1 each
Pipe stem triangle 1
Ruler 1
Scoopula 1
Spatula; Stainless Steel 1
Stirring rod (with rubber policeman) 3
Test tube, large, 25x200 mm 2
Test tube, small, 13x100 mm 20
Test tube holder 1
Test tube rack 1
Thermometer, 150 °C 1
Towel 1
Vial with screw cap 1
Wash bottle, polyethylene 1
Watch glass 3
Wire stirrer 1
Pipet Bulb, Blue 1
25 mL Volumetric Pipet (Chem 111 only) 1
 P a g e | 20

Check In (Is Item Present?) Check Out (Is Item Present and Clean?)
Common Cabinet Items Number
Check (√) Check (√)
Clamp, extension 1
Clamp, pinch 1
Clamp, three-pronged 1
Clamp holders 2
Crucible tongs 1
Ice pan 1
Iron rings, split, 3” & regular 5” 1
Triangular file 1
Wire Gauze 1
Mini-Hood Funnel 1
Ring Stands 2

Student Signature

Returned Key? Y/N

TA/Instructor Initials (drawer check)
 P a g e | 21

Pictures of CHEM 110-111 Laboratory Equipment

Beaker Casserole (w/ #3 Stopper) Evaporating Dish Eyedropper

Erlenmeyer Flask Erlenmeyer Filter Flask Buchner Funnel (w/ Stopper) Funnel, Powder

Funnel, Short Stem Graduated Cylinder Sharpie Litmus Paper

Pipestem Triangle Ruler Scoopula Spatula

 P a g e | 22

Stirring Rod w/ Rubber Policeman Test Tubes in Test Tube Rack Test Tube Holder Thermometer

Towel Vial with Screw Cap Wash Bottle Watch Glass

Wire Stirrer Pipet Bulb, Blue

25 mL Volumetric Pipet (111 Only)

 P a g e | 23

CHEM 110-111 Common Cabinet Items

Extension Clamp (or ‘C’ Clamp) Pinch Clamp Three-Pronged Clamp

Clamp Holders Crucible Tongs Ice Pan

Iron Rings (5” Round and 3” Split) Triangular File Wire Gauze

Ring Stand Mini-Hood Funnel w/ stopper