2015Journal of Chemical EducationRequires access

Molar Mass and Second Virial Coefficient of Polyethylene Glycol by Vapor Pressure Osmometry

Jeffrey J. Schwinefus, Caleb Checkal, Brian Saksa, Nadia Baka, Kalpit Modi, Carlos Rivera

Open publisher page 8 citations

Abstract

In this laboratory experiment, students determine the number-average molar masses and second virial coefficients of polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers ranging in molar mass from 200 to 1500 g mol –1 using vapor pressure osmometry (VPO). Students assess VPO in relation to accurate molar mass calculations of PEG polymers. Additionally, students use the second virial coefficients to identify any PEG self-interactions and any dependence of the second virial coefficient on PEG molar mass. This laboratory experiment is suitable for a biophysical or physical chemistry laboratory.

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What this paper is about

In this laboratory experiment, students determine the number-average molar masses and second virial coefficients of polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers ranging in molar mass from 200 to 1500 g mol –1 using vapor pressure osmometry (VPO). Students assess VPO in relation to accurate molar mass calculations of PEG polymers. Additionally, students use the second virial coefficients to identify any PEG self-interactions and any dependence of the second virial coefficient on PEG molar mass. This laboratory experiment is suitable for a biophysical or physical chemistry laboratory.

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Available abstract

In this laboratory experiment, students determine the number-average molar masses and second virial coefficients of polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers ranging in molar mass from 200 to 1500 g mol –1 using vapor pressure osmometry (VPO). Students assess VPO in relation to accurate molar mass calculations of PEG polymers. Additionally, students use the second virial coefficients to identify any PEG self-interactions and any dependence of the second virial coefficient on PEG molar mass. This laboratory experiment is suitable for a biophysical or physical chemistry laboratory.

Key concepts: Virial coefficient, Molar mass, Osmometer, Vapor pressure osmometry, Chemistry, Polyethylene glycol, Vapor pressure, Thermodynamics

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