mayko - 28-12-2015 at 12:09
Calvin echoes how I feel about New Year's resolutions in general, but on the other hand, I've gotten somewhat directionless in the lab, having done a
lot of the elementary and intermediate exercises. (I empathize with this thread, for example) So to get organized in the coming months, I was thinking we could share our chemistry (or other home
science) goals!
Here are some of mine:
Build a proper lattice and hood
Get a vacuum pump
become proficient at vacuum distillation
become proficient at steam distillation
check out some phosphorescent compositions
Build a library of esters; see if I can train my nose to pick out the smell of the component groups
Prepare nitric acid
The ICl idea I tried went nowhere, but I'd still like to experiment with EAS on napthalene!
Lactose -> Mucic acid -> Pyrrole
Vanillin, camphor -> vanillyl alcohol, isoborneol
I'm sure I'll come up with plenty of sidequests and minigames along the way...
aga - 28-12-2015 at 12:40
Pick one and actually Do It.
#7 RFNA is a good one.
It is pretty straightforward, so easily achieveable.
There is nothing better than having a List and then being able to cross at least 1 item off.
Make the Best list like this :-
"1. Start making a list" <- immediate satisfaction !
"2. Finish making list" <- third satisfaction.
"3. blah"
"n. blah blah"
The 2nd satisfaction is the fact that you actually made the list.
Already have two items Completed and <strike>crossed out</strike>.
Mmmmmmm.
j_sum1 - 28-12-2015 at 15:51
#1 Write and implement a new chemistry curriculum for high school students.
#2 Have some fun in my home lab and keep learning new stuff. There are at least a couple of dozen ideas listed -- either already started or projects
yet to be begun.
#3 Read submissions for a chemistry competition and award prizes. 
I don't think I need a more comprehensive list than that. There is enough to keep me busy there and some besides.
JJay - 28-12-2015 at 16:37
1. Fume hood.
2. YouTube channel.
3. Aluminum chloride from OTC products.
4. Elemental bromine.
5. Amide reduction with LiAlH4 (or maybe something less exotic).
6. Electrolytic sodium.
7. Gold fulminate.
Volanschemia - 28-12-2015 at 20:59
Synthesis of Luminol from local OTC ingredients
Entering j_sum1's competition
Bromine generation Mk 2
Fluorescence Thermochromism Experimentation
Build my Element Display
Add power and running water to my lab bench.
That's about it I can think of right now, there are undoubtedly many more.
Zephyr - 28-12-2015 at 21:20
I think my biggest and most important goal is setting up a new lab and finally getting to do some reactions again.
I look forward to seeing what you all get up to in the new year.
Arthur Dent - 6-1-2016 at 07:47
I should dust off my chemistry gear (it's been unused for far too long) and get back to it.
I'd like to prepare a batch of EtOH from scratch (sugar and yeast) and distill it to the
highest concentration I can reach (by distilling with my graham condenser setup and then
salting out).
I'll prepare a batch of CuSO4... I've done it often but I'm running out.
I'd like to use my Soxhlet setup for the first time with some plain old orange peel to extract lemonene ...
I should build myself a secure acid storage bin in my shed to centralize my hazardous stuff out of my house.
And then there's this big jar of gold-plated e-scrap that's begging to be worked on... 
- Bob
AJKOER - 7-1-2016 at 06:40
On the lighter side, my goals for 2016:
1. Learn to meditate better to calm myself in stressful situations, like in a dangerous runaway reaction (I currently exit the building at full
speed).
2. Learn more about a reaction before attempting it in large quantities (I suspect this will help in having most of me survive till the end of the
year).
3. Practice reading the MSDS before taste testing the product.
4. Invest in either a good fume hood (or at least an oxygen tank) to address breathing issues.
5. Avoid seeking or giving advice, as it appears to only 'compound' the problem.
6. Construct legally approved warning signs and generously deploy them (otherwise, I would have to properly store and limit access to corrosive and
toxic stuff).
7. Finally, believe more in myself, and especially, if I ever get yelled at, remember others are potentially just as incompetent or more so than me!
[Edited on 7-1-2016 by AJKOER]