Chemistry Department

DEWAR BENZENE

Visit to St Andrews, Summer 2010

Sir James Dewar - perhaps best known today for the invention of the vacuum flask - inspired Dollar’s Chemistry Department contribution to the Time Capsule, which was to be placed underneath the refurbished steps outside the Playfair Building during the summer.

A modified version of a chemical named ‘Dewar Benzene’ was to act as a chemical clock measuring the passage of decades, by slowly converting to the more recognisable ‘ring’ structure  of Benzene.

Dr Alan Aitken’s research group at St Andrews University Chemistry Department synthesised the molecule with financial support from the local branch of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

Before collecting the chemical, a fourth year Intermediate 2 class was taken on a guided tour of the University’s new labs together with that of the research laboratories where the molecule was expertly synthesised. 

The Dollar pupils were shown the glass-blowing workshop where the custom built ampoule used for storing the chemical was designed and built. 

After the visit, the party lunched on St. Andrews famous West Sands for a well earned picnic lunch and enjoyed a variety of beach games.