Peep Wars: Revenge of the Mole

Although scientific and health research has been conducted on Peeps, most notably that appearing on the Peep Research website (see http://www.peepresearch.org), we have noted an absence of research focusing on destructive analysis of Peeps for the sake of destruction. To address this lack, we invited the Mole to perform experiments and otherwise abuse Peeps in the Leighty-Tabor Science Center at Millikin University in celebration of Mole Day, October 23, 2005. The theme of Mole Day 2005 was "Mole Go 'Round." Follow the links below to see the Mole go 'round the building hurting Peeps.

The Mole Arrives at the Laboratory and Begins Its Work

The mole arrived at the chemistry laboratory in a customary manner, as evidenced by the photograph above, in a labcoat and safety glasses.

The mole begins his work with a physical inspection of Halloween Peeps.

Beginning Solubility Testing

The Mole began by trying to reproduce the results reported at peepresearch.org under the Solubility category. This work was difficult, though, because the concentrations of the solutions were not included in the original work. Thus, the Mole attempted to dissolve the Peeps in water, 5% aqueous sodium hydroxide, 5% aqueous hydrochloric acid, and acetone. Water and acetone had no observable effect. On the other hand, both the sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid solutions took on an orange color, indicating that the coating was being dissolved. This result was contrary to what was found at peepresearch.org, but it should be noted that this experiment involved Halloween Peeps whereas the previous work was performed on Easter Peeps.

The Mole decided to test the solubility of Peeps in 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate. Again, the solution took on a bright orange color.

The peepresearch.org page reported that Peeps did not dissolve in sulfuric acid, which comes as a surprise because of the sugar content of Peeps, but the concentration of the acid was not indicated. So, the Mole decided to test a Peep in concentrated sulfuric acid. Note that the Mole conducts these experiments in the fume hood.

Polarimetry: The Mole prepares to measure the optical rotation of the Peep.

Purification: The mole removes volatile impurities from the Peep by successively heating the Peep on a hotplate, concentrating the Peep by rotary evaporation, and applying low-pressure vacuum to the Peep.

Addendum

The Mole decided to conduct some experiments in other departments. Following the example of countless others who ignore federal law, state law, and the requirements of insurance policies, the Mole decided to not wear safety glasses. Here are some examples from physics lab.

	The Peep did not resist force well.
The Mole moved to the Genetics lab in order to anesthetize the Peep.
	The Mole then prepared to centrifuge Peeps.
	Here, the Mole is getting ready to feed the Peep to some critters.
	Is this a case of Mole-assisted suicide? (And are the arms holding the Mole back or goading it?)
	Apparently, any mercy was short-lived, as the Mole is now simply preparing to push the Peep down the elevator shaft.
	As any good scientist, the Mole reports the results of all the work in a seminar.