B8056 - Inorganic Chemistry Applied to Materials with Laboratory

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be familiar with the principles of inorganic chemistry by describing the most significant aspects of the structure, properties, and reactivity of inorganic compounds. Special attention is given to the chemistry of transition elements, organized by oxidation states to highlight the common properties of each class. The course aims, through numerical exercises and laboratory experiences, to provide fundamental knowledge and basic theoretical tools for understanding the relationships between the structure and properties of inorganic compounds. This includes learning operational methodologies and safety rules in the preparation of inorganic and coordination compounds, as well as some fundamental spectroscopic properties and applications.

Course contents

Prerequisites: ability to write chemical reactions; understanding of the equilibrium concepts, both homogeneous and heterogeneous. Knowledge of the chemical geometries and bonding properties of given chemical compounds. Thermodynamic concepts and spontaneous reactions. Basic laboratory skills: solution preparations, quantitative determination of reagent and product masses and reaction yields.

Safety training is mandatory.

Program:

MODULO 1

The periodic chart and the atomic properties of the elements. Symmetry and use of the point group symmetry. Bonding models in Inorganic Chemistry: A) Ionic compounds B) covalent bond: valence bond and molecular orbital theory. The solid state: conductivity in ionic solids and in metals. The band theory. General properties of transition elements. The coordination chemistry: A) bonding, spectra and magnetism; B) Reactions, kinetics and mechanisms. The coordination numbers: octahedral, tetrahedral and square planar complexes. The low oxidation states and the organometallic compounds. The organometallic chemistry: reactions of carbonyl and olefine complexes. Main catalytic reactions by organometallic compounds.

MODULO 2

Dissolution of salts in water. Hydrolysis of cations and their acidic properties. Hydrolysis of oxoanions and their basicity. Redox properties of nitrates, nitrites, and sulfites. Redox potentials and Latimer diagrams. Frost and Pourbaix diagrams: predicting the redox behavior of aqueous ions as a function of relative potential and/or pH. Group 13: Boron, Aluminum, and their related reactions. Group 14: Carbon, Silicon, and their characteristic properties. Sol-gel synthesis. General reactivity of transition metals. Elements of the first transition series: from Titanium to Copper (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu), identification reactions and properties of their most common oxidation states.

The course also includes laboratory activities aimed at consolidating the theoretical concepts covered in lectures and providing a deeper understanding of the fundamental chemical properties of the elements. Laboratory work also enables students to develop practical skills in the preparation of inorganic and coordination compounds.

ATTENDANCE AT LABORATORY IS MANDATORY IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE EXAME. IN THE EVENT OF ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS, A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED.

Readings/Bibliography

CHIMICA INORGANICA - J.E. HUHEEY; E.A. KEITER; R.L. KEITER - Piccin
CHIMICA INORGANICA - P. ATKINS; T. OVERTON; J. ROURKE; M. WELLER; F. ARMSTRONG -Zanichelli

CHIMICA INORGANICA DESCRITTIVA - G. RAINER-CAHHAM, T. OVERTON - Edises

Teaching methods

Teaching methods include: lectures, exercises and laboratory experiments. Exercises consist of numerical problems and case studies. These are intended to facilitate the review and extend comprehension of all topics. The lab experiences are designed for deepening the students' understanding of inorganic chemistry and, for their nature, constitute an important training for the manipulation of inorganic substances under safety conditions. The laboratory-activity attendance is mandatory for the final exam. At the end of the course all lab reports must be delivered.

Assessment methods

Assessment of the learning outcomes is carried out by a written test and an oral exam. The test, which includes problems, exercises and open answers, is passed with a score equal or higher than 18/30.

During the course, examples of problems and questions similar to those of the final exam are provided.

Access to oral exam is possible after passing the written test. Oral exam is aimed at evaluating the ability to correlate the nature and composition of inorganic compounds with their physico-chemical properties.

The final mark takes into consideration both theoretical and laboratory competences (with a contribution of 75% e 25%, respectively).

Laboratory reports must be submitted at least 48 h before the oral exam (excluding public holidays). Their assessment will contribute to the determination of the final grade.

The final written test can be replaced by two tests taken during the course (one at about half of the program and the other at the end of the program). The average score of the two tests provides the final written mark.

Registration to the written and oral exams is required through “Alma Esami” web platform, in observation to the stated deadlines.

The employment of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is forbidden for the exam.

Teaching tools

Blackboard and PowerPoint presentations for lectures. Documents and slides are available to students on the platform

Office hours

See the website of Rita Mazzoni

See the website of Cristiana Cesari