ISOTOPICS
The Cleveland Section of the American Chemical Society
Volume 89
Issue 6
September 2013
September Meeting Notice
On Deck:
October 16, 2013
Speaker: TBD
Bourbon Tasting at The Bottle
Shop in Cleveland Heights
Cleveland ACS Officers
Chair:
Don Jaworske
NASA Glenn Research Center
216-433-2312
Donald.A.Jaworske@nasa.gov
Chair-Elect:
Michael J. Kenney
Case Western Reserve Univ.
216-368-3736
mjk56@case.edu
Treasurer:
John Moran
Department of Science and
Mathematics
Phone: 216-373-6380
jmoran@ndc.edu
Secretary:
Anna Cronin
cronina@glsc.org
Cleveland Section Web Site:
http://www.csuohio.edu/sciences
/dept/cleveland_acs/
Joint Meeting with the Akron Local Section
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Cuyahoga Community College, East Campus
4:30 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Executive Committee Meeting
Social/Networking
Dinner
Presentation
Starting New Endeavors in Chemistry: Personal experiences
that range from moving research field to starting a new ACS
journal
Stuart J. Rowan, Kent Hale Smith Professor of Engineering, Case Western
Reserve University
DINNER RESERVATIONS REQUIRED:
Please RSVP by email to eigensolutions@gmail.com. At that time the
respondent will receive a survey with dinner choices. Checks made out to
“Cleveland ACS” are greatly appreciated; cash otherwise. $20 for members
and guests, $10 for retirees or unemployed, $5 for students. Attendance will
be capped at 50.
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Isotopics September 2013
Directions to Cuyahoga Community
College, East Campus
4250 Richmond Road
Highland Hills, Ohio 44122
Speaker Bio
Prof. Rowan is currently
the Kent Hale Professor of
Engineering
in
the
Department of Macromolecular Science and
Engineering
at
Case
Western Reserve Univ.
He also has secondary
appointments in both Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry.
American Chemical Society Cleveland Section
covalent) in the construction and properties of
polymeric materials. His group works on
supramolecular polymers, stimuli-responsive
polymer including self-healing materials, metalcontaining polymers, gels, biomaterials, surface
assembly and developing new synthetic methods
for the construction of complex polymeric
architectures.
He is the Deputy Editor of ACS Macro Letters,
Director of the Institute for Advanced Materials at
CWRU, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of
Chemistry. He is an NSF-CAREER awardee and
has published over 110 scientific papers, book
chapters and reviews.
From the Chair
By Don Jaworske
Prof. Rowan was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in
1969 but grew up in Troon, Ayrshire on the west
coast of Scotland. He received his B.Sc. (Hons.)
in Chemistry in 1991 from the University of
Glasgow and stayed there for his Ph.D. where he
worked on Supramolecular Crystal Engineering of
Inclusion Compounds, receiving his Ph.D. in
1995. In 1994 he moved to the Chemistry
Department at the University of Cambridge and
carried out research on the development of
Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries in the labs of
Prof Jeremy Sanders, FRS. In 1996 he was
appointed a Research Associate of Girton
College, Cambridge. In 1998 he moved across the
Atlantic (and the continental U.S.) to continue his
postdoctoral studies at the University of
California, Los Angeles with Sir Fraser Stoddart
FRS. While in Southern California he developed
numerous new methods for the construction of
interlocked molecular species. In 1999 he was
appointed as an Assistant Professor to the
Department of Macromolecular Science and
Engineering at Case Western Reserve University
in Cleveland, Ohio and was promoted to
Associate Professor with tenure in 2005 before
becoming Full Professor in 2008. In 2009 he
became the Kent H. Smith Professor of
Engineering. His research interests focus on the
potential of dynamic chemistry (covalent and non-
Please join me in congratulating the 2013 ACS
Fellows from the Cleveland Section, recently
selected for their outstanding achievements in and
contributions to the profession.
James D. Burrington, The Lubrizol Corporation
Mary Ann B. Meador, NASA GRC
John D. Protasiewicz, Case Western Reserve
David A. Schiraldi, Case Western Reserve
Call for Nomination: The Morley Medal
By Mark Waner
The Cleveland Section annually sponsors a
regional award, which consists of the Morley
Medal and an honorarium of $2,000. The next
presentation of the Morley Medal will take place
at the meeting of the Cleveland Section ACS in
May 2014. The award is presented at a banquet, at
which time the recipient will deliver the Edward
W. Morley Lecture for that year. Travel expenses
for the medalist and spouse will be provided.
The purpose of the award is to recognize
significant contributions to chemistry through
achievements in research, teaching, engineering,
research administration and public service,
outstanding service to humanity, or to industrial
progress.
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Isotopics September 2013
The area of eligibility includes those parts of the
United States and Canada within about 250 miles
of Cleveland. The contributions for which the
award is given should have been made by the
awardee when a resident of this area, or if a major
contribution was made elsewhere, the nominee
should have continued to make contributions
while a resident of this area. Nominations may be
made by any member of the American Chemical
Society, The Chemical Society or the Chemical
Institute of Canada.
Nominations for the Morley Medal should include
a letter of nomination and curriculum vitae
including the candidate's education, professional
experience & activities, awards & honors, offices
held and specifics on significant contributions.
The letter of nomination should highlight these
significant contributions. A representative list of
references to the candidate's more important
contributions, an evaluation of the significance of
these achievements, and a listing of the nominee's
most significant publications and patents are also
appropriate. Added consideration will be given to
individuals under the age of 48 with demonstrated
accomplishments and for continuing significant
future accomplishments. Strong seconding letters
are suggested. The specific reference for every
publication or patent is neither required nor
encouraged. Electronic submissions are preferred.
Deadline for receipt of nominations is
December 13, 2013. Send nomination and
supporting material to:
Dr. Mark J. Waner
Cleveland Section Morley Medal Committee
Department of Chemistry
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH 44118
Ph: 216-397-4791
E-mail: mwaner@jcu.edu
American Chemical Society Cleveland Section
The Importance of the America
COMPETES Act
By Louise Lawter, Chair, The Subcommittee on
Public Policy, ACS Committee on Economic and
Professional Advancement (CEPA)
The Subcommittee on Public Policy (SPP) of the
ACS Committee on Economic and Professional
Advancement (CEPA) would like to inform ACS
members of an important piece of science
legislation that expires this year. The America
Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote
Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science
Act, more commonly known by the acronym the
COMPETES Act, was a key piece of highly
bipartisan science legislation that first became law
in 2007. It was inspired by the findings from the
2007 National Academy of Sciences report „Rising
Above the Gathering Storm‟, which identified
ways to create high-quality jobs and focus new
science and technology efforts on meeting the
nation's needs.
The original America
COMPETES Act established a broad consensus
for increasing U.S. investments in groundbreaking
research in the physical sciences and engineering
fields at the National Science Foundation (NSF),
the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The enacted legislation also significantly increased
emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and
math (STEM) education at the Department of
Education (DoEd) and the NSF.
It set
authorization levels for these key science agencies
for three years (‟07-‟10).
The America
COMPETES Act was a shining example of
successful political bipartisanship and one of the
most broadly supported pieces of major legislation
passed by Congress in recent memory.
COMPETES was reauthorized in 2010, again for
three years and with bipartisan support, and
expires at the end of 2013.
The ACS has been meeting with members of
congress over the past several months advocating
on behalf of COMPETES and would like to make
ACS members aware of the effort.
While the specific provisions of the upcoming
version of COMPETES are still being negotiated,
the following public policy positions of the ACS
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Isotopics September 2013
American Chemical Society Cleveland Section
can serve as a good template for issues most
important to the Society:
reviewed almost 300 published studies and
compared all existing ethylene control/removal
methods and technologies.
U.S. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
http://portal.acs.org/portal/PublicWebSite/policy/
publicpolicies/enable/innovation/WPCP_011518
They concluded that photocatalysis offers the
greatest potential for removing ethylene and
preserving produce, both on Earth and during
spaceflights. With the method that enters into the
field of sustainable development, a catalyst and
light act together to remove ethylene by
transforming it into carbon dioxide and water.
“Worldwide food technology could take advantage
of photocatalysis technology for providing health
and economical benefits and for globally
contributing to both increased food quality and
availability by reducing postharvest losses of fresh
produce,” the report states.
Science and Technology Funding
http://portal.acs.org/portal/PublicWebSite/policy/
publicpolicies/enable/stfunding/CNBP_023895
Science Education Policy
http://portal.acs.org/portal/PublicWebSite/policy/
publicpolicies/invest/educationpolicies/WPCP_01
1527
More detailed information on the COMPETES
Act can be found at
https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42779.pdf
Thank you for your attention.
Selected from ACS Discoveries!
Keeping fruit, vegetables and cut flowers fresh
longer
Chemical Reviews
New technology offers the promise of reducing
billions of dollars of losses that occur each year
from the silent, invisible killer of fruits,
vegetables and cut flowers — a gas whose effects
are familiar to everyone who has seen bananas
and other fruit ripen too quickly and rot. That‟s
the conclusion of an article in the ACS journal
Chemical Reviews.
Nicolas Keller, Marie-Noëlle Ducamp, Didier
Robert and Valérie Keller explain that fruits,
vegetables and flowers are still alive after harvest.
They produce and release into the air ethylene gas,
which fosters ripening and blooming. Ethylene is
the basis of the household trick of speeding the
ripening of green fruit by placing it in a sealed
bag. When released into storage and shipping
containers, however, ethylene causes unwanted
ripening, spoilage and financial losses. As part of
a worldwide effort to find better ways of
controlling ethylene, Keller and colleagues
“Thus, through this multidisciplinary review, we
hope to be successful in illustrating photocatalysis
as a really promising technology, within a
sustainable development approach, for replacing
current ethylene removal technologies during the
storage and the transfer of fresh fruits and
vegetables,” they say.
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Isotopics September 2013
American Chemical Society Cleveland Section
National Historic Chemical Landmarks in Your Community
By Keith Lindblom, ACS National Historic Chemical Landmarks Program Manager
ACS established the National Historic Chemical Landmarks program in 1992 to enhance public
appreciation for the contributions of the chemical sciences to modern life in the United States and to
encourage a sense of pride in their practitioners. To date, the program has recognized 70 subjects in the
United States and around the world, including seven within the Cleveland Section, tying the area with the
New York Section for the highest concentration of NHCL sites in the nation. The area‟s Landmarks
include:
 Columbia Dry Cell Battery: In 1896 the National Carbon Company (corporate predecessor of
Energizer) developed the six-inch, 1.5 volt Columbia battery, the first sealed dry cell successfully
manufactured for the mass market. The Columbia, a carbon-zinc battery with an acidic electrolyte,
was a significant improvement over previous versions and launched the modern battery industry by
serving as the basis for all dry cells for the next sixty years.

DayGlo Fluorescent Pigments: This new class of pigments based on fluorescent dyes and
polymeric materials was developed between the 1930s and 1950s by scientists at Switzer Brothers,
Inc. (now Day-Glo Color Corp.). Fluorescents absorb various light frequencies and reemit them,
producing intense colors that appear to glow, even in daylight. The company solved limitations of
earlier fluorescent pigments—resulting in new applications in advertising, packaging, flaw
detection and safety.

Edward W. Morley and the Atomic Weight of Oxygen: In his laboratory at Western Reserve
University (now Case Western Reserve University), Edward W. Morley carried out research on the
atomic weight of oxygen that provided a new standard to the science of chemistry. Though better
known for his role in the Michelson-Morley experiment, his work on the atomic weight of oxygen,
published in 1895, gave important insight into the atomic theory of matter.

Hall Process for the Production of Aluminum: On February 23, 1886, in his woodshed
laboratory in Oberlin, Ohio, Charles Martin Hall succeeded in producing aluminum metal by
passing an electric current through a solution of aluminum oxide in molten cryolite. Hall‟s
discovery, which made this light, lustrous and nonrusting metal readily available, was the basis of
the aluminum industry in North America and the founding of the Aluminum Company of America
(Alcoa).

High Performance Carbon Fibers: Scientists at the Parma Technical Center of Union Carbide
Corporation (now GrafTech International) performed pioneering research on carbon fibers. Roger
Bacon demonstrated the ultrahigh strength of graphite in filamentary form in 1958; seven years
later, continuously processed high performance carbon yarn from a rayon precursor was
commercialized. In 1970 Leonard Singer produced truly graphitic fibers, leading to the
commercialization mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers for aerospace applications.

Kem-Tone Wall Finish: In 1941, The Sherwin-Williams Company introduced Kem-Tone©, the
first commercially successful, multi-million-gallon, waterborne interior wall paint with colors that
could withstand rubbing or washing. The product was based on the chemical innovation of
emulsifying casein, linseed oil and, later, tall oil as binders. Along with the Sherwin-Williams
Roller-KoaterTM applicator, Kem-tone© helped spur the post-World War II expansion of „do-ityourself‟ painting and home improvement.

Sohio Acrylonitrile Process: Researchers at Sohio in Warrensville Heights developed an
innovative, single-step method of production that made acrylonitrile available as a key raw
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Isotopics September 2013
American Chemical Society Cleveland Section
material for chemical manufacturing worldwide. Sohio‟s groundbreaking experimentation and
bold engineering brought plentiful, inexpensive, high-purity acrylonitrile to the market, a principal
factor in the evolution and dramatic growth of the acrylic plastics and fibers industries. Sohio‟s
nitrile business is now owned by INEOS Nitriles.
To qualify, subjects must clearly represent seminal achievements in the history of chemistry; they must
evidence significant impact and benefit to the public and the chemistry profession; and they must be at
least 25 years old. ACS local sections, divisions or committees can nominate subjects for the program.
For a complete list of National Historic Chemical Landmarks or more information about the nomination
and selection process, visit www.acs.org/landmarks or contact the author at landmarks@acs.org.
ISOTOPICS STAFF
Editor:
Daniel Tyson
Day-Glo Color Corporation
Phone: 216-391-7384
daniel_s_tyson@yahoo.com
Business and Advertising:
Anna Cronin
cronina@glsc.org
Associate Editor
Dwight Chasar
dwight.chasar@yahoo.com
Associate Editor
Richard L. Middaugh
Phone: 440-785-0293
rlmiddaugh@ameritech.net
Associate Editor
Meenakshi Hardi
Phone: 440-941-6467
minaxie@gmail.com
Associate Editor
Daniel Scheiman
QSC/NASA GRC
Phone: 216-433-3223
daniel.a.scheiman@nasa.gov
Isotopics is looking to highlight local chemistry professionals, companies, teachers, research groups, students,
events, and more. If you have an idea for an Isotopics article, please contact the editor. Isotopics is also looking
for local members to join our staff. Time commitments for staff members are minimal (a few hours a year!) and
your contributions will be invaluable to our local section. If you are interested in joining Isotopics, please
contact the editor.