Subject: Sci.chem FAQ - Part 1 of 7
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 1995 21:37:28 GMT
X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent 1.0.82


Posting-Frequency: monthly
Version: 1.04


              FAQ: Sci.chem
           Editor: Bruce Hamilton
                   B.Hamilton@irl.cri.nz

This FAQ is posted monthly to the Usenet groups sci.chem, sci.answers and 
news.answers, and the latest version should be obtained from either those 
groups, or the FAQ archive site at rtfm.mit.edu in pub/usenet/sci/chem.
 
Changes: 
- Note that sections with ** are still being prepared by contributors
  ( including me ), and * indicates that the section is currently undergoing 
  revision.
- I have added the following new questions
     31.12 What are Dioxins?
     31.13 What is Red Mercury?
     31.14 How do I remove stains and deposits?
     31.15 How do I remove rust?
     31.16 How do I electroplate or anodise materials?
     31.17 How fast do solvents pass through human skin?

------------------------------

Subject: 1. Dedication

This FAQ is dedicated to the memory of the late Larry Lippman, who departed
from this group ( and life ) in 1991. His superb posts on a wide range of 
chemical topics were both informative and entertaining. He established the
sci.chem tradition of friendly, authoritative, and accurate answers to 
many chemistry-related questions.  

------------------------------

Subject: 2. Introduction and Intent.

This FAQ is intended to provide answers to chemistry-related questions that 
have appeared several times in sci.chem. It is also intended to guide the
curious to written and electronic information sources for the major areas
of chemistry that are discussed in sci.chem. The curious reader is 
encouraged to explore those treasure-troves, and this FAQ, prior to posting 
their question to sci.chem. I have assumed that most posters will have 
access to institutional or public libraries, and most of the references
should be available from them, either on the shelves, via private loans 
from staff in chemistry departments, or via library Interloan services. 
I have also assumed readers have a basic knowledge of how to use a technical 
library, and how to locate chemistry information sources. If you are lost
in your library, ask the nearest librarian :-). As sci.chem is a 
discussion group for chemistry, posters should have at least used basic
reference texts to ensure they formulate their question so readers can 
clearly understand their request. The first steps are yours, we will then 
endeavour to help you walk and perhaps even run :-).

------------------------------ 

Subject: 3. Table of Contents

Part 1.

    1. Dedication
    2. Introduction and Intent
    3. Contributors 
       Bruce Hamilton      <B.Hamilton@irl.cri.nz>
       Jim Oliver          <jim.oliver@welcom.gen.nz> 
       Yogi Shan           <yshan@bnr.ca>       
       Jason Bruce Chin    <umchin02@cc.umanitoba.ca>
       Jim Corton          <corton@maine.mainelink.net>    
       Vince Hamner        <vinny@vt.edu>
       Knut Irgum          <kim@alchemy.chem.umu.se>
       Neil Flatter        <flatter@Rose-Hulman.edu>
       Theodore Heise      <theise@netins.net>
       Mark Perks          <perks@umbc.edu>
       Dave Young          <young@slater.cem.msu.edu>
    4. Table of Contents
    5. Sci.chem
      5.1  What topics does sci.chem cover? 
      5.2  Why is the sci.chem.* hierarchy not rational? 
      5.3  What other chemistry-focused newsgroups exist? 
      5.4  How do I create a sub-group for my pet topic? 
      5.5  Who was Larry Lippman? 
      5.6  Should I post my homework question? 
      5.7  Should I post the email address of an expert I found? 
      5.8  Should I post corporate advertising material?
      5.9  Should I state why I require the requested information?   
      5.10 What questions are best answered elsewhere in Usenet?
      5.11 Can I post here if my newsfeed doesn't include the correct group? 
      5.12 Can I post here if my library doesn't have the specified reference?
    6. Common terms and abbreviations frequently used in sci.chem.
      6.1  Abbreviations used in this FAQ 
      6.2  Common Terms used in this FAQ

Part 2.

    7. General Chemistry-related Information on the Internet 
      7.1  How can I access databases such as Chemical Abstracts? 
*     7.2  What chemistry-related material is on the WWW? 
      7.3  What information is available commercially on-line? 
      7.4  What information is available free on-line? 
      7.5  What chemical patent information is available on-line? 
      7.6  Which FTP sites contain chemistry-related material? 
      7.7  What chemistry-focused mailing lists exist?   
      7.8  How can I contact Chemical Societies electronically? 
      7.9  How can I contact large chemical companies? 
      7.10 How can I contact chemical suppliers? 
      7.11 How can I contact equipment suppliers? 
      7.12 How can I contact US government agencies? 
      7.13 Where can I find compilations of science humour?
      7.14 Where can I purchase scientific software?
    8. Laboratory and Chemical Safety Information on the Internet
      8.1  Where can I find Material Safety Data Sheets? 
      8.2  Where can I find detailed safety & toxicity data? 
      8.3  Where can I find occupational exposure limits? 
      8.4  Where can I find hazard information for a chemical? 
      8.5  Where can I find laboratory safety guides?
      8.6  Where can I find other safety information?
    9. Traditional ( Non-Internet ) General Chemistry Information Sources 
      9.1  When can I find Chemical Abstracts? 
      9.2  Where can I obtain chemical patent information? 
      9.3  Where can I purchase chemicals? 
      9.4  Where can I purchase laboratory equipment? 
      9.5  What reference texts should I search first? 
      9.6  Where can I find physical and spectral properties of chemicals?     
      9.7  Where can I find production data for commercial chemicals? 
      9.8  Where can I find the composition of a proprietary chemical? 
      9.9  Where can I find out about the history of Chemistry? 
      9.10 Where can I find out about the discovery of an element?
      9.11 What inspirational books about chemistry should I read?

Part 3.

  10. Traditional Laboratory and Chemical Safety Information Sources 
     10.1  Where can I find Material Safety Data Sheets? 
     10.2  Where can I find detailed safety & toxicity data? 
     10.3  Where can I find occupational exposure limits? 
     10.4  Where can I find hazard information for a chemical? 
     10.5  What is the most poisonous compound? 
     10.6  Where can I find laboratory safety guides? 
   11. Traditional Specialist Chemical Information Sources
     11.1  Where can I find spectral libraries/databases? 
*    11.2  Where can I find polymer chemistry information? 
     11.3  Where can I find analytical chemistry information? 
     11.4  Where can I find environmental chemistry information? 
     11.5  Where can I find physical chemistry information? 
     11.6  Where can I find inorganic chemistry information? 
     11.7  Where can I find organic chemistry information? 
     11.8  Where can I find industrial chemistry information? 
*    11.9  Where can I find pharmaceutical chemistry information?   
   12. Nomenclature
     12.1  What are CAS Registry Numbers?
     12.2  What are the correct names of recently-discovered elements? 
     12.3  What is the nomenclature system for CFCs/HCFCS/HFCS?
     12.4  How can I get the IUPAC chemical name from traditional names? 
     12.5  What does "omega-3 fatty acids" mean?
   13. Illicit and Government-Controlled Substances  
     13.1  What news groups/mailing lists discuss illegal drugs?  
     13.2  Where can I obtain a list of illegal drugs? 
     13.3  What is the chemical structure of common illegal drugs?
     13.4  How do I obtain chemical information on illegal drugs? 
     13.5  Where are the synthesis instructions for illegal drugs?
     13.6  Should I post detailed recipes for illegal chemicals?
     13.7  What news groups/mailing lists discuss explosives? 
     13.8  What is the chemical structure of common explosives? 
     13.9  How do I obtain chemical information on common explosives?
     13.10  What news groups/mailing lists discuss pyrotechnics? 
** 14. Academic Course Information
     14.1  Where do I find information on US courses? 
     14.2  Where do I find information on other nations' courses? 

Part 4.

   15. Chemical Demonstrations 
     15.1  Are there any good compilations of demonstrations? 
*    15.2  What are good outdoor demonstrations for under 12s?
*    15.3  What are good outdoor demonstrations for over 12s?
*    15.4  What are good indoor demonstrations for under 12s? 
*    15.5  What are good indoor demonstrations for over 12s?
   16. Laboratory Procedures
     16.1  What are the best drying agents for liquids and gases? 
     16.2  what is the effect of oven drying on volumetric glassware? 
     16.3  What does the Karl Fischer titration measure? 
     16.4  What does the Dean and Stark distillation measure? 
     16.5  What does Kjeldahl nitrogen measure?     
     16.6  What does a Soxhlet extractor do?
   17. Preparation of chemicals
     17.1  Where do I find laboratory-scale procedures for organics? 
     17.2  Where do I find laboratory-scale procedures for inorganics? 
     17.3  Where do I find industrial chemical process details? 
   18. Sensory properties of chemicals
     18.1  How do light sticks work?, and how can I make one? 
     18.2  How do hand warmers work?, and how can I make one? 
     18.3  What are the chemicals that give fruity aromas? 
     18.4  What is the most obnoxious smelling compound?
     18.5  What is the nicest smelling compound? 
     18.6  What is the most bitter compound? 
     18.7  What is the sweetest compound? 

Part 5.

   19. Physical properties of chemicals
     19.1  Rheological properties and terminology 
     19.2  Flammability properties and terminology 
     19.3  Supercritical properties and terminology?
   20. Optical properties of chemicals
     20.1  Refractive Index properties and terminology 
     20.2  Polarimetry properties and terminology 
** 21. Molecular and Structural Modelling
     21.1  What hardware do I need to run modelling programmes? 
     21.2  Where can I find a free modelling programme? 
     21.3  Where can I find structural databanks? 
     21.4  Where can I find ChemDraw or ChemWindows? 
** 22. Spectroscopic Techniques
     22.1  Ultra-Violet/Visible properties and terminology
     22.2  Infra-Red properties and terminology
     22.3  Nuclear Magnetic Resonance properties and terminology
     22.4  Mass Spectrometry properties and terminology 
     22.5  X-Ray Fluorescence properties and terminology 
     22.6  X-Ray Diffraction properties and terminology 
     22.7  Fluorescence/Phosphorescence properties and terminology
   23. Chromatographic Techniques   
     23.1  What is Paper Chromatography? 
     23.2  What is Thin Layer Chromatography?
     23.3  What is Gas Chromatography?
     23.4  What is Column Chromatography?
     23.5  What is High Pressure Liquid Chromatography? 
     23.6  What is Ion Chromatography? 
     23.7  What is Gel Permeation Chromatography? 
     23.8  What is Capillary Electrophoresis?
     23.9  How do I degas chromatographic solvents? 
     23.10  What is chromatographic solvent "polarity"?  
   24. Extraction Techniques   
     24.1  What is Solvent Extraction?
     24.2  What is Solid Phase Extraction?
     24.3  What is Supercritical Fluid Extraction?
** 25. Radiochemical Techniques
     25.1  What is radiochemistry?
   26. Electrochemical Techniques
     26.1  What is pH?
     26.2  How do pH electrodes work? 
     26.3  What are ion-selective electrodes?
     26.4  Who supplies pH and ion-selective electrodes?

Part 6. 

   27. Fuel Chemistry
     27.1  Where does crude oil come from?
     27.2  What are CNG/LPG/gasoline/kerosine/diesel? 
     27.3  What are oxygenates?
     27.4  What is petroleum ether?
     27.5  What is naphtha?
     27.6  What is white spirits?
     27.7  What are biofuels?
     27.8  How can I convert cooking oil into diesel fuel? 
** 28. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
** 29. Adhesive Chemistry
   30. Polymer Chemistry 
*    30.1  How can I simply identify common plastics? 
     30.2  What do the plastics recycling codes mean? 
   31. Others
     31.1  How does remote sensing of chemical pollutants work?
     31.2  How does a Lava Lamp work?
     31.3  How do I make a Lava Lamp? 
     31.4  What is Goretex?
     31.5  What causes an automobile Airbag to inflate?
     31.6  How hazardous is the mercury from a broken thermometer?
     31.7  Did molasses really kill 21 people in Boston?
     31.8  What is the active ingredient in mothballs? 
     31.9  Is vinegar just acetic acid?
     31.10 What are the different grades of laboratory water? 
     31.11 What is Sarin nerve gas?.
     31.12 What are Dioxins?
     31.13 What is Red Mercury?
     31.14 How do I remove stains and deposits?
     31.15 How do I remove rust?
     31.16 How do I electroplate or anodise materials?
     31.17 How fast do solvents pass through human skin?

Part 7.

   32. References

------------------------------ 

Subject: 5. Sci.chem
      
5.1  What topics does sci.chem cover?

Sci.chem is a discussion group, and it covers the scientific discussion of 
all issues concerning chemistry. There is no talk.chemistry group, 
consequently discussion often drifts away from the narrow focus of the 
science of chemistry. Please ensure that threads that have no ongoing 
"science" requirement have the "Followup To" header diverted back to the 
original group. There are several groups that also cover specialist areas 
( Section 5.3 ), and prospective sci.chem posters should check to ensure 
their post would not be more appropriately placed in one of those groups. 
Please do not crosspost to all chemistry groups. Because sci.chem is an 
unmoderated discussion group inhabited by a diverse range of humanity, 
posted "facts" are not always correct, and may not always be corrected, so
don't blame us if your teacher marks your answer wrong :-)..

5.2  Why is the sci.chem.* hierarchy not rational?

As the sci.chem group has up to 80 posts/day, some specialists believe they
would be better served having their own group. They draft a charter, submit
it to the news.advice group, who ensure it is consistent with the overall
structure of Usenet and, after discussion, the group is voted on. If the 
group passes it is created. Groups appear *only* if some motivated people 
arrange to form them. That is why the structure is not rational. There is 
currently no formal structural plan for the hierarchy and, given the diverse 
nature of current contributions, it is proving difficult to develop such a 
plan - as no one wishes to compromise the diversity of sci.chem. If you 
learn to use your newsreader correctly, the current size of sci.chem is 
easily handled, and most threads of interest can be captured as they pass.

5.3  What other chemistry-focused newsgroups exist?

Probably the most popular chemistry-focused group is alt.drugs :-), however
sci.chem is the most popular group covering diverse chemistry topics. The 
next most popular chemistry group is sci.engr.chem, which deals with chemical 
engineering and some aspects of industrial chemistry. Analytical chemistry is 
covered in sci.chem.analytical, electrochemistry in sci.chem.electrochem,
organometallic chemistry in sci.chem.organomet, and laboratory equipment in
sci.chem.labware. There are also several groups that discuss techniques 
commonly used in chemistry, eg sci.techniques.mass-spec, 
sci.techniques.mag-resonance, and sci.techniques.xtallography. 
There are several groups that cover the chemistry of specific topics, 
eg alt.drugs, rec.pyrotechnics etc., but do not expect to extensive chemical 
discussion of the periodic table in alt.cesium :-). The history of chemistry 
is discussed in soc.history.science.

5.4  How do I create a sub-group for my pet topic?

First of all, discuss your idea extensively in sci.chem and other relevant
groups and mailing lists, ensure you have sufficient support for your 
proposal, and take note of all comments, whether positive or negative. 
The next stages are well documented in a FAQ available in news.groups.
Basically, you email group-advice@uunet.uu.net, who will help you prepare the
charter and Request For Discussion. If they wish to add an additional vote 
that could affect another group by renaming or changing the hierarchy, return 
to that group and consult the participants to ensure there is support for any 
proposed changes *prior* to issuing the RFD. Group advice is not mandatory, 
so if the added vote is contentious, drop it. Post the RFD twice, and remind 
people to ensure they cross post to news.groups, even if they do not read 
that group, as that is where all post-RFD discussion is seen by the "experts". 
Take note of the discussion in news.groups and other groups where you posted 
the RFD, and modify the RFD if appropriate, and post again. Then follow the 
guidelines for the actual vote, others will create groups if they pass.    

5.5  Who was Larry Lippman?

When sci.chem was formed (1988?), there were only a few posts per week, and
a considerable number were requests for information. Larry Lippman soon 
established his superb practical and theoretical chemical credentials, and 
set about responding to those plaintive pleas for information. His posts 
were excellent examples of informative, educational responses delivered in
a friendly, helpful style. His posts demonstrated how knowledgeable sci.chem 
posters could respond to requests in such a way that all readers would 
understand, regardless of formal chemical training. He died in late 1991 
in his early 40s. Unfortunately, only a few of his posts to sci.chem have 
survived. If you have any of his posts I would appreciate a copy, as I am 
collecting them to be made available as a single "Lippman posts" file.

5.6  Should I post my homework question?
      
In general, definitely not. Your homework question is designed to challenge
you to understand an aspect of chemistry, and your teacher will have 
ensured that there are appropriate resources available to you at your
institution. The library is always an excellent place to start, and the 
librarians are skilled at finding information - if you ask for assistance.
However, if you find that the library and other available resources can not
fully satisfy your curiosity, then carefully outline your problem and do 
post *only* to the most appropriate group. If it is the wrong group, 
somebody will point you to the correct one. Do not expect to receive the
actual answer, we will carefully consider your request, and frame a response
to ensure that you need to perform some work before your can answer your own
question. The most obvious technique is to respond with a similar worked
example that is sufficiently different to ensure you can not plug in the
numbers and arrive at your correct answer. Also, remember that we are not 
obliged to provide only correct answers, we can deliberately introduce 
errors to ensure direct copying without comprehension results in the wrong
answer - it is not *our* homework :-). Do not expect sensible or accurate
responses if you post from anonymous servers. 

5.7  Should I post the email address of an expert I found?

Not without their consent. Email the expert and ask if you can identify them
in sci.chem. In general, people who email information to you will want
complete control over their exposure on Usenet. Often they do not want a
lot of email requesting assistance, and in some countries ( such as New
Zealand ) people have to pay for both incoming and outgoing email. If the
email address is posted publicly - as in this FAQ, email the person and ask 
if you can repost their address in a different forum. When sending 
unsolicited email, remember that you are accosting a stranger, and he/she 
is not required to respond, although most will try to respond to polite
requests.

5.8  Should I post corporate advertising material? 

No. Sci.chem is a discussion group. However, if your corporate material will
help resolve an issue being discussed, post a brief note pointing to where
the information can be obtained. If you believe that knowledge of your 
corporation would help Internet users, you should arrange a World Wide Web
home page or email address, and then ensure compilations of chemistry-related
material ( including this FAQ ) include the address. Continual repeat posting
of inappropriate commercial material is more likely to annoy sci.chem
readers.

5.9  Should I state why I require the requested information?

Generally, yes. Knowing why somebody is requesting information often helps
those considering responding to the request. It also helps to ensure that
responses will help solve the problem, rather than lead off on a tangent,
interesting though it may become. If you require the information for
a commercial or historical enterprise, you should state that. The ability
to download and edit information is even more convenient than photocopying,
and original copyright can easily be inadvertently omitted. If you note that 
there may be a possible commercial outcome, responders will try to ensure 
that the original source is fully credited. Usually a polite request to the
copyright owner will result in approval for your enterprise.
 
5.10 What questions are best answered elsewhere in Usenet?

a. Anything concerning illicit drugs. 
   - Start at alt.drugs, as the various FAQs point to a wide range of
     chemical information sources. 
   - Refer to sections 13.1 - 13.6 of this FAQ for the available choices.
b. Anything concerning Ludwig/Archimedes Plutonium.
   - Start at sci.physics, as they directed him to sci.chem :-).
c. Anything concerning bubbles in drinks.
   - Start with sci.physics, the solubility behaviour of dissolved gases when 
     the pressure is reduced is predominantly a physical effect.
d. Anything scientific concerning the Ozone Hole and Climate Change.
   - Start with sci.environment, in particular with Robert Parson's superb
     FAQ on ozone. Non-scientific discussions should be in talk.environment.
e. Anything concerning explosives.
   - Refer to sections 13.7 - 13.10 of this FAQ for the available choices.
    
5.11 Can I post here if my newsfeed doesn't include the correct group?
         
No. The onus is on you to obtain access to the correct group. As hard disk
storage prices are plummeting, you should be able to encourage your access
provider to carry more groups :-). If your employer restricts you to sci.*
comp.* and other boring groups, you may have to seek out a commercial 
access provider. Be assured that you are not the first to encounter this
problem, and there are various ways you can access newsgroups using other
Internet facilities besides direct Usenet access. Check out the news.*
groups for information on alternative methods of Usenet access. 

5.12 Can I post here if my library doesn't have the specified reference? 

No. Once again the onus is on you to obtain the texts. We have tried to
ensure that there are several choices to help minimise the problem. The 
advantage of expending effort to obtain the reference is that it is likely 
to provide a more comprehensive answer, and will enhance your understanding 
of the subject. If the reference is obscure, then a carefully-constructed
post requesting the specific information you require is acceptable, but
you should also state that you have tried to obtain the information, and
perhaps suggest email replies if you believe other readers will not be
interested. 

------------------------------

Subject: 6. Common terms and abbreviations frequently used in sci.chem.
      
6.1  Abbreviations used in this FAQ and sci.chem 

ACGIH = American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
ACS = American Chemical Society
AOAC = Association of Official Analytical Chemists
AOCS = American Oil Chemists Society
APHA = American Public Health Association
API = American Petroleum Institute
ASTM = American Society for Testing Materials
BP = British Pharmacopoeia
CA = Chemical Abstracts
CAS RN = Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
C&EN = Chemical & Engineering News ( journal )
CMR = Chemical Marketing Reporter ( journal )
DIN = Deutsches Institut fur Normung
EP = European Pharmacopoeia
GMP = Good Manufacturing Practice
IP = Institute of Petroleum
IPCC = Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
ISO = International Standards Organisation
ISO 9000 = The 9000 series (esp.9001) Quality System Standards
MSDS = Material Safety Data Sheet 
RTECS = Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances
TLV = Threshold Limit Value
USP = United States Pharmacopoeia

6.2  Common Terms used in this FAQ.
Note that those with a "*" are also available from commercial database
suppliers and/or as CD-ROMs. The electronic versions may be accessible via 
an institution library, if it doesn't have the hardcopy version. 
library. 
* Beilstein = [1]
* Chem.Abs. = Chemical Abstracts [2].
  Cotton and Wilkinson = Advanced Inorganic Chemistry [3]
  Fieser & Fieser - Reagents for Organic Synthesis [4]   
  Gardner = Chemical Synonyms and Trade Names [5]
  Gmelin = Handbuch der Anorganischen Chemie [6]
  Goodman & Gilman = The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics[7]
  Hawley = Condensed Chemical Dictionary [8]
* Heilbron = Dictionary of Organic Compounds [9]
* Kirk Othmer = Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology [10]
  Lange = Handbook of Chemistry [11]
* Martindale = The Extra Pharmacopoeia [12]
  McKetta = Encyclopedia of Chemical Processing and Design [13]
  Mellor = Comprehensive Treatise on Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry [14]
* Merck = The Merck Index [15]
  Perry = The Chemical Engineers' Handbook [16]
* RTECS = Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances [17]
  Rubber Handbook = CRC Handbook of Chemistry & Physics. [18]
  Sax = Dangerous Properties of Industrial Chemicals [19]
  Shreve = The Chemical Process Industries [20] 
  Ullmann = Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry [21]
  Vogel = "Inorganic" = Quantitative Inorganic Analysis [22]
        = "Qualitative" = Qualitative Inorganic Analysis [23]
        = "Organic" = Practical Organic Chemistry [24]
        = "EPOC" = Elementary Practical Organic Chemistry [25]

------------------------------


