[Prep Lab Students] Spring 2026- Week 6

[Weaver, Tyler]

The Weekly Mix
Volume: Spring 2026 | Edition: Week 6
Schedule

We’re only 4 weeks away from spring break!

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Experimental Details

Review the window notes and any associated equipment guides for additional details. Please refer to the Week 5 edition<https://lists.osu.edu/pipermail/preplabstudents/2026-February/000334.html> for details on PPG, and BAR.

MML
Model kits will be provided on the bench beside Hood A. Replacement parts are available in both windows if needed.

CPC

The distillation apparatus needs to be unplugged when not in use. Ideally, the water pump and heating mantle should be plugged in and turned on about 10-15 minutes before the lab session starts. The apparatus needs to be checked at least every 30 minutes by someone from the lab support window. Set a timer for 30 minutes to remind yourselves. This video shows how to add ice and transfer water from the receiving flask to the heating flask (still pot) properly.<https://youtu.be/a8J57oDHy_I> You must watch this video prior to the start of CPC. Remember the end of both pieces of tubing (from the condenser and to the condenser) should be inside the bucket.

If you need to stop heating the flask for any reason, turn the heating mantle off and lower it away from the flask. This is why we set them up so high- it makes it easier to kill the heat quickly.
CYC

TAs will pick up samples of CuO at the start of lab. These will be kept in the labeled bin on the unknown shelf. Unknown bins should not be removed from the unknown shelf. Only hand out full sets of unknowns to TAs. Any leftovers should be properly disposed of by the TA at the end of the lab session.

CLK

Extra thermometers and replacement batteries will be in the window. This one usually uses a bunch of spill kits. Keep a close eye on your spill kits and request replacements as needed. The window playbook has been updated with guidance on when to replace lab coats that have reagents spilled on them- please review it.

PbI

Solids will be passed out from the lab support window. Do not give out partial sets at the start of lab. We’ll be using the vacuum ports for this experiment; the TAs do not need to do anything with the vacuum pump. Be sure the vacuum control knob in the second-floor window (by the fire extinguisher) is in the “auto” position We will also be using the ovens; they open by pulling the bottom of the handle up towards the ceiling- no rotating required. We strongly encourage TAs and students to keep the oven doors closed as much as possible. This helps with heat loss.

WST

If a lab indicates they don’t have enough meters and probes, be sure they are planning to work in pairs. pH meters, probes, and cables to connect the two, are on the bench closest to Hood A.

There could be a few rooms with old (black cable) probes, most rooms will have new (white wire) probes. The probes with the black cables will need to be attached to the top of the meters whereas the new white wire probes will need to be attached to the probe and meter via the white wire.

Connections are made on the top of the meter by pushing and turning (BNC type). Both pH probe types will have either a black o-ring or blue rubber piece at the top of the probe shaft to cushion it from the glass storage tube and help seal in the storage solution. These should stay at the top of the probes while the students are taking readings.

If a student claims their pH meter is “broken”, they should have their TA try to calibrate it before bringing it to the window for an exchange. Emma has prepared a guide on how to handle pH meter issues, everyone is required to review it. It will be available in the window and the prep lab office.
Other Information

Equipment Guides

In the Week 4 email, you were asked to read through the FPD guide and initial the roster beside Keyth. Only about half of you did this… We’ll be doing the same thing with the pH meters when 1220 and 1620 complete SST and WST. Please do better.

Locking & Unlocking

When assigned to lock or unlock labs, you should be on the assigned floor by the start time of that task. Our promise is to have the labs open 15 minutes before the session starts.

One-An-Hours

We have fewer students this semester, so the overall number of tasks being assigned per student is higher. If you won’t have time to complete your mandatory one-an-hours for a shift please talk with a prep lab staff member. We will make a note of this, as we keep records of who did and did not complete their one-an-hours each day.

General Chemistry Prep Lab • Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry • THE Ohio State University
preplabstaff at lists.osu.edu<mailto:preplabstaff at lists.osu.edu>

Be sure you are reading the entirety of this email message. You are accountable for the entirety of all messages sent to you by the Prep Lab Staff. Emails sent to preplabstudents at lists.osu.edu<mailto:preplabstudents at lists.osu.edu> are archived for your convenience at https://lists.osu.edu/pipermail/preplabstudents/
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