b'Silica as a Medium for the Synthesis of Chiral Imines and AminesMehvish K. Durrani, Department of ChemistryFaculty Sponsor: Dr. John T. Barbas, Department of ChemistryWe have continued our investigation for green, economical methods, for the synthesis of chiral imines and chiral amines. We have synthesized several dozens of these compounds quantitatively, in reactions between aromatic aldehydes with unique substituents, and primary chiral amines. These reactions take place in minutes, at room temperature on activated silica, with or without solvents. No byproducts, other than water, are produced. Typically, 2 g of activated silica are suspended in the minimum amount of dry ether. To this suspension equimolar quantities (2x10-3 mol) of an aldehyde and a chiral amine are added successively, while stirring. Formation of the pure imine is complete in a few minutes as confirmed by GC-MS. At this point the imine can be isolated or converted to the amine as desired. In the reduction step, the suspension is cooled in an ice bath, followed by the addition of 0.15 g of sodium borohydride. To this mixture, a few drops of water are added periodically and stirred briefly. Completion of the reduction to the amine is monitored by GC-MS. The products are extracted from silica with dry ether, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and the solvent removed under vacuum. The products are weighed and analyzed by IR, GC-MS, proton and C-13 NMR, and polarimetry.Invertebrate Art:Obscure Critters Give Us the Most Intriguing PatternsYalanda Gordon, Kiara Clark, William Blair, Rachael Davis, Jordan Gravett, Larra Williams, Heather Tomlinson, Thomas Falkenhausen, William Wilson,Jael Stanton, Mark Highsmith, Marcus Diaz, Adam Slaton, Matt Cowan, and Erin Manning, Department of ChemistryFaculty Sponsor; Thomas Manning, Chemistry; Paul Leavy, University MediaMarine Chemistry is a class that explores different aspects of the marine environment, from chemical parameters associated with climate change and ocean acidification to the life and times on hidden marine creatures. The class has also been involved in projects involving coral restoration, drugs from the sea, and understanding how human activity impacts these ecosystems. The coral restoration project was conducted with a NOAA permit and the drug from the sea has resulted in a cancer drug entering clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute. Many of the creatures the class studies are obscure even by scientific standards. For example, one class of invertebrates in the ocean are called bryozoans. Over 5,000 species of bryozoans have been identified to date and most have only been observed once or twice. In this presentation, the group looks at the obscure critters that live under rocks, in tidal pools, on the sides of sunken boats, and attached to bridges. Often images of creatures present patterns such as Fibonacci Series. This presentation will show up to 50 images of obscures creatures found in the Florida Keys (spring break, 2019) and examine the intricacy and beauty of these tiny, hidden creatures possess. The class is working with the University Photographer to maximize the quality of their images.27'