66684 - Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to understand the principles defining analytical chemistry from the point of view of the "problem solving" approach. Furthermore, he has acquired knowledge as to: chemical equilibria in solution with particular attention to the simultaneous ones with the aim of carrying out simple qualitative tests and of defining the optimal conditions for a reaction to occur; volumetric and gravimetric quantitative determinations; standard analysis procedures, understanding and development of a SOP; statistical treatment of the data and significance tests for the final evaluation of analytical data; potentiometry and its applications.
Moreover the student is able to draw up an analysis certificate.

Course contents

Fundamentals of statistics in analytical chemistry. Quality of analytical data. Significant figures. Sources of uncertainty. Errors in chemical analysis. Gross, systematic and random errors. Accuracy and precision. Propagation of errors. Methods for reporting analytical data. Significance tests: Student's t. Test for evaluating accuracy. Test for evaluating precision. Comparison of two experimental means.

Acids and bases in water. Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis theories. Strength of acids and bases. Polyfunctional acids and bases. Ampholytes. Buffer solutions. Systematic approach to the chemical equilibria. pH calculations. Acid-base titrations methods for estimating the equivalent point. Titration error.
Solubility equilibria. Solubility as a function of pH. Precipitation titrations.

Complexes formation. Complexation as a function of pH. Conditional and thermodynamic constants. Solubility as a function of complexation. Complexometric titrations. EDTA and analytical applications. Interferences and masking.

Redox equilibria in homogeneous phase. Electrochemical cells. Influence of pH, solubility and complex formation on redox potential. Stability of redox systems in water. E/pH diagrams. Redox titrations.

Potentiometry. Direct and indirect measurements. Indicator and reference electrodes. Ion selective electrodes. Potentiometric titrations.

Application of analytical methods to the solution of real problems.

Laboratory course:

Frontal lessons

Tracking laboratory activity. The volumetric glassware: characteristics and use. Practical features of volumetric titrations: determination of endpoint by means of indicators or graphical and numerical methods. Primary standards. Error treatment. Practical features of gravimetry. Introduction to potentiometry

Lab activity

The experiences will be structured in such a way as to require a planning by the students for the development of the most suitable analytical methods for the study of real samples.

The main topics that will be covered are: use of the laboratory glassware; acid-base titrations, redox, precipitation and complexometric titrations conducted both in the traditional way and by the potentiometric method. Applications will be carried out to determine the concentration of analytes in unknown solutions and in real samples. The laboratory activity attendance is mandatory for the final exam.

Numerical exercises

Besides the laboratory experiments the students will have to conduct the statistical treatment of the experimental data obtained during their Lab activity. This work will be done by fulfilling a report which will be evaluated and will partly contribute to the final score. Furthermore, the students have to compile their own laboratory notebook, recording their activity and results.

Readings/Bibliography

D.C. Harris, Chimica Analitica Quantitativa, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2017.

V. Di Marco, D. Pastore , G.G. Bombi, Chimica Analitica, Trattazione algebrica e grafica degli equilibri chimici in soluzione acquosa, Edises, Napoli, 2015.

D.A. Skoog, D.M. West, F.J. Holler, S.R. Crouch, Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica. EdiSES, Napoli, 2015.

D.S. Hage, J.D. Carr, Chimica Analitica e Analisi Quantitativa, Piccin, Padova, 2012.

Teaching methods

Lectures integrated by exercises related to the discussed topics. It is encouraged individual study on text books and team-discussion on the arguments under study. The Course is integrated with that of laboratory work. Theory and laboratory work must co-exist since practice not only develops the capability of the student to think but also to act independently.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, the attendance of the laboratory requires all students to carry out e-learning of Modules 1 and 2 and to participate in Module 3 for specific training on safety and health in the study areas. Information on dates and methods of attendance of Module 3 can be consulted in the specific section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment takes place through a final written exam which includes analytical problems, exercises and multiple choice questions. The score is integrated with that obtained for the Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry course (only one final mark).

The final score comes from the weighted average of the marks of the written exam and of the overall evaluation of the Lab activity, which can also be based on a final experimental test.

The final written test can be replaced by two tests taken during the course and similar to the final text (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 exam is required through “AlmaEsami” web platform, in observation to the stated deadlines.

Use of textbooks, smartphones and notes (or slides) taken during classes is prohibited during the test. It is compulsory to bring a calculator for the exam (the ones available in tablets or mobile phones are not allowed) and the required stationary (pencils, set square, rubber and pencil sharpener) to draw graphical plots.

The material on which the exam would be written (paper sheets and graph papers) shall be provided by the Teacher.

Teaching tools

Lectures and class-room activities are carried out with the help of transparencies and video-projection. Laboratories, software for data treatment, experiences booklet.

The teaching material is available to the students. The experimental work will be carried out in the analytical Laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Isacco Gualandi

See the website of Domenica Tonelli

See the website of Federica Mariani