OVERVIEW

The 'Inorganic Chemistry 1 with Laboratory' course ideally follows the 'General and Inorganic Chemistry' course and is therefore aimed not only at deepening certain concepts already addressed by students during the first year (e.g. periodic properties), but above all at tackling in an organic manner the study of the chemical behaviour of the elements of the main groups (s and p), as well as the reactivity and characteristics of transition elements. From this point of view, a large part of the Course is devoted to the study of coordination compounds of the first transition series, both through the description of their peculiar characteristics and properties, and through the laboratory synthesis of the compounds themselves. Aspects related to preparation strategies and possible characterisations will be explored in depth, and students will be required to complete reports on each completed laboratory experience.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the course is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the chemical behavior of the elements of blocks s and p of the periodic system, and of the fundamental characteristics of the elements of blocks d and f, with particular attention to their coordination chemistry. The laboratory activity aims to make students acquire the skills necessary for the synthesis and characterization of coordination compounds. The course also aims to develop the ability to conduct group experiments and to write reports on laboratory activities.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the chemical behavior of the elements of the s and p blocks of the periodic table, and of the fundamental characteristics of the elements of the “d” and “f” blocks, paying specific attention to their coordination chemistry. The laboratory activity will provide the skills necessary for the synthesis, characterization and purification of coordination compounds. The course also aims to develop the ability to conduct both individual and small group experiments and to write reports about laboratory activity. The reports are corrected at the end of the course.

PREREQUISITES

To understand the covered topics, knowledges acquired during the General and Inorganic Chemistry course are required.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes classroom lectures, where the topics covered by the program and explanations of laboratory experiences are addressed. Furthermore, practical sessions are foreseen which include laboratory activities and written reports at the end of each activity. These reports are corrected by the teaching staff. Attendance is mandatory both at the practical session and at the pre-laboratory classroom lectures; during these lectures, written laboratory instructions are discussed and supported by esplicative video.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

General properties of the elements in relation to the Periodic Table. Hydrogen. The "s” and the “p” elements: physical and chemical properties, structure, reactivity, preparation of the elements and of their main compounds. General properties of the transition elements. Coordination compounds: stereochemistry, ligands and bonding theories (valence bond, crystal field and molecular orbitals). Overview of rare earth elements. 

Formation constant in octahedral complex. Thermodynamic stability, mechanism of ligand exchange in octahedral complexes. Inorganic synthetic techniques, purification and characterization methods.

Synthesis, purification and characterization of inorganic compounds.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chimica degli elementi – Vol. I e II - N.N. Greenwood, A. Earnshaw, Casa Editrice: Piccin Nuova Libraria (Padova)

Chimica Inorganica – J.E. Huheey, E.A. Keiter, R.L. Keiter, Casa Editrice: Piccin (Padova)

Chimica Inorganica – D.F.Shriver, P.W.Atkins, C.H.Langford, Casa Editrice: Zanichelli (Bologna)

Chimica Inorganica descrittiva – Geoff Rayner-Canham, Tina Overton, Casa Editrice Edises (2017).

G.S. Girolami, T.B. Rauchfuss, R.J. Angelici, Synthesis and Technique in Inorganic Chemistry, 3rd edition, 1999, University Science Books

Teaching material provided by the teachers.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SIMONA DELSANTE (President)

SERENA DE NEGRI

RICCARDO FRECCERO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Startig from september, 25 2023

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is oral and is always carried out by two tenured professors.  The proposed questions are related to the topics covered during the lectures and during the laboratory sessions and considering the students' reports. The exam lasts at least 60 minutes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Teachers can verify with high accuracy the achievement of learning outcomes, taking into account the aforementioned exam description. The laboratory activities, for which students must submit a written report, are also taken into account. When goals are not achieved, student has to deepen the study and are requested to ask for further explanations. 

Exam schedule