Visualizing Chemical Phenomena in Microdroplets

An introduction to some of the interesting differences in chemical phenomena that occur due to the size effects attendant to performing chemistry in a microdroplet are presented. Using micropipet manip lation to generate and utilize aqueous microdroplets, we have captured these effects by video microscopy and can see some of their manifestations. Additionally, there is an inherent charm factor in viewing reactions under microscopy. Chemistry in a microdroplet is also relevant to the exciting advances in chemistry involving high-throughput techniques such as microdroplet microfluidics. These techniques often involve fascinating chemistry and represent the cutting-edge of today's research. We have generated video images that simulate some aspects of microdroplet microfluidics to bring these exciting results to the greater chemical education community. © 2010 American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc.