Cart
Article
The Spectrophotometric Analysis and Modeling of Sunscreens
Hi-Res PDFPurchase the full-text
- PDF/HTML,
figures/images,
references and tables,
(where available)
Abstract
Sunscreens and their SPF (Sun Protection Factor) values are the focus of this experiment that includes spectrophotometric measurements and molecular modeling. Students suspend weighed amounts of sunscreen lotions graded SPF 4, 6, 8, 15, 30, and 45 in water and dissolve aliquots of the aqueous suspensions in propanol. The expected relationship of absorbance proportional to log10(SPF) applies at 312 nm where a maximum in absorbance occurs for the sunscreen solutions. Results at 330 nm give similar results and are more accessible using spectrometers routinely available in the introductory laboratory. Sunscreens constitute a suitable class of compounds to use for modeling electronic spectra, and using the computer for the active ingredients ethylhexyl para-methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, and octocrylene found in commercially available formulations typically predicts the absorption maxima within 10 nm. This experiment lets students explore which compounds have the potential to function as sunscreen agents and thereby see the importance of a knowledge of chemistry to the formulation of household items.
Keywords (Audience):
High School / Introductory ChemistryKeywords (Domain):
Laboratory InstructionKeywords (Pedagogy):
Hands-On Learning / ManipulativesKeywords (Subject):
PhotochemistryCiting Articles
Citation data is made available by participants in CrossRef's Cited-by Linking service. For a more comprehensive list of citations to this article, users are encouraged to perform a search in SciFinder.
This article has been cited by 14 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).
UV–Visible Spectrometers: Versatile Instruments across the Chemistry Curriculum
Demetra A. C. Czegan and Diana K. HooverJournal of Chemical Education2012 Article ASAPUV–Visible Spectrometers: Versatile Instruments across the Chemistry Curriculum
Demetra A. C. Czegan and Diana K. HooverJournal of Chemical Education2012 Article ASAPThis article describes a wide range of commercially available UV–vis spectrometers, with particular emphasis on educational models, and how this technique can be included in all aspects of the chemistry curriculum. Portable instrumentation and new ...
Investigating UV-Blocking Properties of Sunscreens on the Microscale
Jeremiah K. N. Mbindyo and Amber K. BrownJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (12), 1388-1388Investigating UV-Blocking Properties of Sunscreens on the Microscale
Jeremiah K. N. Mbindyo and Amber K. BrownJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (12), 1388-1388A laboratory experiment exploring the effectiveness of various types of sunscreens in blocking UV light, which previously appeared in this Journal, has been adapted to the microscale. The experiment is used in an undergraduate environmental chemistry ...
Customized Laboratory Experience in Physical Chemistry
Karen J. Castle and Stephanie M. RinkJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (12), 1360-1363Customized Laboratory Experience in Physical Chemistry
Karen J. Castle and Stephanie M. RinkJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (12), 1360-1363A new physical chemistry laboratory experience has been designed for upper-level undergraduate chemistry majors. Students customize the first 10 weeks of their laboratory experience by choosing their own set of experiments (from a manual of choices) and ...
Integrating Advanced High School Chemistry Research with Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Brian J. KennedyJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (3), 393Integrating Advanced High School Chemistry Research with Organic Chemistry and Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Brian J. KennedyJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (3), 393This paper describes and discusses the unique chemistry course opportunities beyond the advanced placement-level available at a science and technology magnet high school. Students may select entry-level courses such as honors and advanced placement ...
Experimental Determination of Ultraviolet Radiation Protection of Common Materials
João Paiva , Susana C. A. Tavares and Joaquim C. G. Esteves da SilvaJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (12), 1963Experimental Determination of Ultraviolet Radiation Protection of Common Materials
João Paiva , Susana C. A. Tavares and Joaquim C. G. Esteves da SilvaJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (12), 1963Aiming at a better understanding of the problems associated with the depletion of the ozone layer, we propose several experiments to be performed by students of different levels: secondary and first-year undergraduate students. The oxidation of iodide ...
Full Text HTMLTools
-
Add to Favorites
-
Download Citation
-
Email a Colleague -
Permalink
Order Reprints
Rights & Permissions
Citation Alerts
History
- Received: August 03, 2009
ACS
Network
Facebook
Tweet This
CiteULike
Newsvine
Digg This
Delicious
