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Newsletter of the Central Wisconsin Section - American Chemical Society Volume 27 •No 6•October 9, 2003

the AlembicChair's Corner In an effort to revisit our

policy and procedures at UWSP, Iread Scholarship Reconsidered byErnest Boyer. In that book, hequestions the role that facultyshould have in observing societyand discussing important socialissues. I wondered about our rolein shaping public policy and readthe latest issue of the ACS CapitolConnection and the ACS PublicPolicy Priorities. It is notsurprising that the ACS isinterested in seeing appropriationsto support funding of the NSF,EPA, DOE and NIH especiallywhen programs support R&D andscience infrastructure. The ACS,however, makes no comment onhow the current government ispaying for these appropriations.Congress has also reported that itneeds independent technicalanalysis on science and technologyissues; however, they want a smallinvestment in the program andd e m a n d r a p i d r e s u l t s .Congressional fel lowshipssupported by the ACS and otherscientific organization may proveuseful in improving scienceadvising to congress.

The ACS supports scienceeducation for everyone and worksto fund programs in math andscience in the Department ofEducation. The ACS places apriority on the environment. In itsstatement on the environment, the

ACS wants ”to put us on a coursetoward a more sustainable future,the government must provideincentives to develop and use newtechnologies that reflect theprinciples of pollution preventionand realize the potential of greenchemistry to produce moreenvironmentally benign productsand processes.” I’m ratheruncertain if this vision is clearlyarticulated in the current energybill. Whether we agree with theACS views on science policy ornot, it behooves us to be informedof policy decisions made by thegovernment. If we do have policyconcerns, our Representatives andSenators Kohl and Feingoldbenefit from knowing our views onbills brought before Congress.

On a lighter note, the topicfor our next meeting on October15, 2003 is the Chemistry andAlchemy of Brewing given byRobert P. Bates.

I look forward to seeingyou in Stevens Point.

Robin

ACS - CWSMini-Directory

ChairRobin S. TankeDept. of Chemistry, UW-SPStevens Point WI 54481phone (715) 346-4325(office)email rtanke@uwsp.edu

Chair-ElectDon Showalter

Secretary - TreasurerTip Randall

CouncilorC. Marvin Lang

Alternate CouncilorDave Lewis

Newsletter EditorTom ZamisDept. of Chemistry, UW-SP,Stevens Point WI 54481phone (715) 346-3258(office)email tzamis@uwsp.edu

National Chemistry WeekEarth's Atmosphere and Beyond!

October 19-25, 2003

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"The Chemistry and Alchemy of Brewing"by

Dr. Robert P. BatesFood Science & Human Nutrition Dept.

University of Florida

Wednesday, October 15, 20037:30 PM Science Building, Trytten Lecture Hall. Room A121

UW – Stevens Point5:30 Mixer & Dinner, Michele’s Restaurant

Beer making, one of the oldest examples of biotechnology, is a fascinating study of chemistry,biochemistry, and engineering. It combines well recognized and controllable reactions and operations withcomplex, poorly understood phenomena, including the psychosensory response. Surprisingly, some of the mostsophisticated science and technology are employed in the efficient production of mass advertised, mediocrebeers. In contrast, traditional "alchemy-driven" methods can produce exceptional yet under-recognized beers.Fortunately, there is an achievable balance between these extremes. This presentation will cover the brewingprocess from raw material selection and preparation through fermentation to consumption. Emphasis will be onmajor pathways employed by brewers to produce a wide range of beers. These are exciting times for brewersand beer connoisseurs in the U.S. Future industry developments of relevance to consumers will be mentioned.With dedication and practice, the average chemist can brew above-average beers; so can the experienced kitchenalchemist.

***About the Speaker***

Robert P. Bates received his B.S. degree in Food Technology from MIT. Afterseveral years in the food industry, he obtained an M.S. degree in Food Science from theUniversity of Hawaii and a Ph.D. in Food Science from MIT. After a year at the Instituteof Nutrition of Central America and Panama in Guatemala, he joined the University ofFlorida where he has been for 3+ decades. He is presently a professor of Food Science i nthe Food Science and Human Nutrition Department. Bates' areas of interest are foodprocessing and utilization, small-scale process and equipment development,fermentation technology and byproduct recovery, food product development, andinternational technical assistance. His major responsibilities involve teaching graduateand undergraduate food processing, fermentation, and product development courses; andconducting research/extension activities in home, community, and small-scaleindustrial food processing operations. He has completed short and long-terminternational assignments in many countries in the Caribbean, Central and SouthAmerica, and Asia. He fields frequent inquiries on food science and technology and related subjects fromnational, international, and industrial sources. Bates has developed and presented many short courses in theU.S. and overseas and has been an ACS tour speaker on various food science and technology topics for over 20years.*****************************************************************************

Prior to the meeting, a 5:30 PM mixer and dinner will be held at Michele's Restaurant, 513 Division St. (Business 51North, adjacent to UWSP campus). After dinner, drive three blocks east on Fourth Avenue to reach Parking Lot X on campus. TheScience Building is adjacent to the lot and the Trytten Lecture Hall is just inside the main entrance. Reservations may be made bycalling Tom Zamis at 715-346-3258 (or email tzamis@uwsp.edu) by noon on Tuesday October 14.*****************************************************************************

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R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R RACS - Central Wisconsin Section 2003 Meeting Schedule

DATE LOCATION SPEAKER TOPIC HOST

Sept 10 WisconsinRapids

Robert Radel Chemical Weapons: What, Where, How Dave Thiel

October 15 Stevens Point Robert Bates The Chemistry and Alchemy of Brewing Tom Zamis

November 20 Marshfield Kevin Lang Monoclonal Antibodies DanaHaagenson

December 9 Stevens Point Doug Moore Agate Über Alles SteveBondeson

ACS-CWS Web Page

www.uwsp.edu/chemistry/acscws/

Contains the most up-to-dateinformation about sectionactivities including all issues ofthe Alembic and meeting notices.

Molecules of the Month

1,8-cineole, also calledeucalyptol, is a major componentof camphor-scented essential oilsfound in eucalyptus leaves, bayleaves, and other aromatic plantfoliage. In Southeast Asia,cineole-rich cajuput oil is a well-known remedy for the discomfortof bruises, sprains, and pulledmuscles because it stimulatesblood circulation near the point ofappl icat ion. Recent clinicalresearch has demonstrated 1,8-c ineole 's ef fect iveness inreducing inflammation and pain,and in promoting leukemia celldeath.

News from the Little Apple:p-coumaryl alcohol is the basisof several naturally-occurringphenolic compounds found inapple peels. Research suggeststhat phenolics might combatoxidative stress, a suspectedcontributor to several chronicdiseases. Manufacturers ofapplesauce and canned applesin New York State generatemillions of pounds of waste applepeels annually, - a potentially richsource for dietary supplements.

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) is atype of polyester commonly usedfor plastic beverage bottles, foodjars, and trays for heating food.Containers made with thispolymer bear the number 1 insidethe recycling logo, with theabbreviation PET or PETE (thelast E is for “ester”) underneath.PETE containers can be recycledto make textile products such asclothing and carpet, plastic filmsand sheets, or new food andbeverage containers.

Councilor's Report226th National ACS Meeting, New

York, New YorkC. M. Lang; UW-Stevens Point

Somber, quiet, optimistic …these were the three words I wrote inmy daily-planner regarding myattendance at the recent nationalmeeting of the American ChemicalSociety held in New York City.“Home Land Security” … it seemedto be everywhere at that meeting. President Elsa Reichmanis organizeda symposium of “Issues of HomeLand Security – What Can ChemistDo?” Attendees learned that theDepartment of Home Land Securityhas been assisted by the ACS throughthe development of protocols forprevention of chemical andbiochemical terrorism. At theCouncil meeting, held on September10th, Reichmanis further challengedpolicymakers and leaders of thechemical enterprise with the statementthat “R&D must be conducted on-shore rather than having industry,academia and government locatefacilities and personnel off-shore.”Finally, the public’s perception ofchemistry on an international scalemust be stated in all ACS unit’sobjects!

Overall, the New YorkMeeting had 14,030 attendees 10,640of which were members … theremainder were guest, one dayregistrants or exhibitors only. Nearly8500 technical papers and posterswere presented, 529 booths were sold

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to 201 exhibitors located in the JavitsConvention Center … all this washandled in a 4-1/2 day time period!Further, it was announced that theACS membership stands at 159,653as of July 1, 2003. As Councilorfrom the Central Wisconsin Section, Irepresented the local membership atthe Council meeting. Further, Icompleted my sixth and final year ofservice on the Council Committee onConstitution & Bylaws. C&B held anall day meeting on Sunday (9/7) anda two hour session immediatelyfollowing the close of the WednesdayCouncil meeting (9/10). I alsocontinued service on the NationalChemistry Week Task Force whichheld its meeting on Saturdayafternoon (9/6). My term on both ofthese committees has now come to anend. I’m not sure what assignmentswill be on my “plate” next year …but as soon as I know, you’ll know.As has been my custom, let me nowtake a few moments to share some"random thoughts and miscellaneousitems" that I've noted regarding theCouncil meeting and other sessions Iattended. Hopefully you'll find themof interest. Also refer to forthcomingissues of C&EN for further details.

President-Elect (2004):

In a few short weeks, you willbe asked to participate in the ACSnational elections. You will be askedto choose between two candidates forthe position of President-Elect in theyear 2004: William F. Carroll, Jr. ofOccidiental Chemical Corp, Dallas,TX and Michael E. Strem of StremChemicals, Inc., Newburyport, MA.The individual elected by the Societymembership will also serve asPresident in 2005 and Immediate-Past President in 2006. Anotherelection item is District V ’s electedmember to the Board of Directors.Incumbent E. Ann Nalley ofCameron University, Chickasha, OKand Judith Benham, of 3M Corp., St.Paul, MN have been selected ascandidates for a three-year term(2004-2006). CWS is in District Vand position statements for all theseelections appeared in Sept 28th issueof C&EN. Thus, when the ballotsappear in your mailbox, pleaseVOTE!

AIChE and ACS Merger???

Only a brief mention wasmade of “on going discussionsbetween the ACS and the executivecommittee AIChE” with thepossibility of merging their respectivememberships and assets. I’m surethere will be more to report on thisitem in the future.

ACS Strategic Plan:

The theme of the ACS’s 2004-2006Strategic Plan will be “Science,Profession and the Public.” AsPresident- Elect Chuck Caseymentioned “communication is a 13letter word. Consider nanoscience!We must communicate the science tothe professional and to the public.!”In fact, Casey is organizing asymposium for the national meeting(spring 2004) in Anaheim on“Nanoscience - Retooling Careersfor Members.”

Executive Director Search:

Dr. John Crum will beretiring at the end of the year. Hehas had a career with the ACSspanning nearly 40 years … the lastassignment, beginning in 1983, asExecutive Director of the AmericanChemical Society. This is a highprofile position and the Board ofDirectors is in the throes ofdetermining a successor. Hopefully adesignated successor will beannounced by mid-November 2003.

Finances:

There will be a $3.1 millionprojected deficit in the approvedbudget of the Society by December30, 2003 due to shortfalls inadvertising, investments and defaults. The advanced member registrationfee for national meetings was set at$285.

National Chemistry Week:

As most of you know, thetheme for 2003 NCW is Earth’sAtmosphere and Beyond. The datesfor this activity are October 19-25,2 0 0 3 . Contact Robin Tanke( r t a n k e @ u w s p . e d u ) for moreinformation on CWS’s celebration ofthis on-going event. The theme of

2004 will be Chemistry: Health andWellness.

There really was more to reportbut I’ve run out of space. Callme [(715)346-3609] or “ q u i z ”me at the next Section meeting.I’d be happy to chat about themeeting and its many differentfacets. And again, thank you forchoosing me to represent theCentral Wisconsin Section as yourNational ACS Councilor.

Marv

THIS MONTH INCHEMICAL HISTORY

Harold Goldwhite, California State University,Los Angeles

hgoldwh@calstatela.edu

Prepared for SCALACS, the Journal of theSouthern California, Orange County, and SanGorgonio Sections of the American ChemicalSociety

In 1962 the late ThomasKuhn, a distinguished historian ofscience who started out as aphysical chemist, published hismost influential book "TheS t r u c t u r e o f S c i e n t i f i cRevolutions". It was in this workthat Kuhn discussed paradigms,"universally recognized scientificachievements that for a timeprovide model problems andmodel solutions to a communityof practi t ioners." Sciencetextbooks, according to Kuhn, arefirmly based upon suchparadigms and consequently thestudy of science textbooks cangive historians insight into theactual state of a science at thetime of publication of the text.My own library contains manytexts in the physical andbiological sciences dating back tothe late eighteenth century, a fewin original editions and more infacsimile.

Early this month I wasbrowsing at a very miscellaneousstall at a local flea market andafter some intense hagglingbought a couple of earlytwentieth century science texts ata dollar apiece. In mynext fewcolumns I plan to examine thestate of chemistry and,

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subsequently, physics a centuryago as established by looking atthese texts.

The chemis t ry book ,published by Macmillan in NewYork in 1905, is "Outlines ofInorganic Chemistry" authoredby Frank Aust in Gooch,Professor of Chemistry in YaleUniversity, and Claude FrederickWalker, teacher of chemistry inthe High School of Commerce ofNew York City. The text isintended for use in both schoolsand colleges and is arranged inan interesting way. Part I,consisting of 233 pages, islabeled "Inductive" and "takes upthe consecutive experimentaldevelopment of the principlesupon which systematic chemistryrests." "Only in the final chapterof this part is the notion of theatom introduced" - but more ofthat later. Part II, labeled"Descriptive" ,contains 493 pagesand discusses "the properties ofthe e lements a n d theircompounds... in accordance witha modification of Mendeleeff"sPer iod ic Sys tem. . .Graphicsymbols, explained as simplydiagrammatic, are used freely...We have not thought itdesirable, however, to make useof the extreme developments ofthe idea of free ions."

The nineteenth and even theearly twentieth centuries sawmany discussions in the scientificcommunity about the validity orreality of atomic concepts. Theinterested reader may consult"Chemical Atomism in theNineteenth Century" by Alan J.Rocke (Ohio State UniversityPress, 1984) for a comprehensiveaccount of this period. As late as1904, a year before thepublication of the text underexamination, the great Germanphysical chemist WilhelmOstwald, in his Faraday Lecture tothe Chemical Society of London,said "Chemical dynamicshas...made the atomic hypothesisunnecessary ... I am quite awarethat in making this assertion I amstepping on somewhat volcanicground." With such authority onthat side of the question it may

not be surprising that Gooch andWalker in their chapter on theorystate: "in the chemical sense theatom is, therefore, something thathas not been divided - thesmallest mass of a chemicalelement which enters into anyknown chemical compound. Withi d e a s o f indivisibility,indes t ruc t ib i l i ty , abso lu tehardness, or with any of theabstract conceptions which forthe philosopher cluster about theword atom, the chemist hasnothing to do." They do go on tomention the experiments ofJ.J.Thomson which lead to "theidea that the atoms of theelements are built up of simplersystems of primordial atoms andelectrons, or corpuscles ofnegative electricity..."

Given the state of chemicaltheory in 1905 it is not surprisingthat Gooch and Walkerequivocate on the nature of ionsin solution, offering the readerthree distinct hypotheses. That ofArrhenius suggests that "the ionsof electrolytes exist in freecondition in solutions sufficientlydilute". J.J.Thomson, Nernst, andFitzgerald have independentlyexp la ined ion iza t ion byproposing that "the electrolyteenters into chemical reaction withthe solvent, and that the assumedfreedom of the ion is in reality anever changing bondage to thesolvent" (a view that sounds quitemodern to me). And Reychlermaintains that the phenomena ofsolution are better explained bypolarization of an un-ionizedelectrolyte molecule by specificsolvent action. American, Briton Win Nobel

for MedicineSource: Associated Press (excepts)

Publication date: 2003-10-06

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) - American Paul C. Lauterbur and

Briton Sir Peter Mansfield won the2003 Nobel Prize for medicineMonday for discoveries leading to atechnique that reveals images of thebody's inner organs.

Magnetic resonance imaging, orMRI, has become a routine method formedical diagnosis and treatment. It is

used to examine almost all organswithout need for surgery, but isespecially valuable for detailedexamination of the brain and spinalcord.

MRI can reveal whether lowerback pain is is due to pressure on anerve or spinal cord, for example. Itcan give surgeons a roadmap foroperations, revealing the limits of atumor. And since MRI itself does notrequire physically entering the body, itcan replace some procedures thatpatients find uncomfortable.

Worldwide, more than 60 millioninvestigations with MRI are performedeach year, and the technique is "abreakthrough in medical diagnosticsand research," the Assembly said.

Monday's prize honors pioneeringwork done in the 1970s that laid thegroundwork for making MRI a usefulmethod, the assembly said.

Lauterbur, 74, discovered thepossibility of creating a two-dimensional picture by producingvariations in a magnetic field.Lauterbur is at the BiomedicalMagnetic Resonance Laboratory at theUniversity of Illinois in Urbana.

Mansfield, 70, showed how thesignals the body emits during an MRIexam could be rapidly analyzed andtransformed into an image. Mansfieldalso showed how extremely fastimaging could be achievable. Thisbecame technically possible withinmedicine a decade later. Mansfield isat the University of Nottingham inBritain. The Medical ResearchCouncil, Britain's equivalent to theNational Instititutes of Health, fundedMansfield's early work.

Essentially, MRI provokeshydrogen atoms in the body's tissuesto emit radio signals, which it thendetects and uses to build up three-dimensional images of internal organs.

The prize includes a check for 10million kronor, or $1.3 million, andbestows a deeper sense of academicand medical integrity upon thewinners.

There are no set guidelines fordeciding who wins. Alfred Nobel,who endowed the awards that bear hisname, simply said the winner "shallhave made the most importantdiscovery within the domain ofphysiology or medicine."

The awards always are presentedon Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel'sdeath in 1896.