15750 - Basics Principles of Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students have a good knowledge of properties of both chemical element and compounds in relation to their electronic structure and to the nature of chemical bond. In particular, students will be able to evaluate behavior of organic molecules and biological materials.

Course contents

Atomic structure of matter : atoms, fundamental particles, atomic number, isotopes, atomic mass, mole and molar mass. Nomenclature of compounds.

Electronic structure of atoms and periodicity of atomic properties: the wave nature of matter, wave mechanics, atomic orbitals, quantum numbers, electron configurations of the elements and periodic properties.

Chemical bonds : ionic bonds and structure of ionic crystals. Covalent bond: hybrid orbitals and molecular structure, molecular orbital theory. Covalent crystals. Polarity of molecules. Metallic bond: band theory. Weak interactions.  

Stoichiometry, chemical reactions and redox.

States of matter: gases, ideal gas law, mixture of gases and real gases. Liquid state: solutions and measures of concentration. Exercises. Solids: kinds of crystals. 

Thermochemistry: Hess's Law of heat. Standard reactions enthalpies, enthalpies of formation and combustion.

Colligative properties: boiling- point elevation, freezing-point depression, osmosis.

Chemical kinetics: reaction rate, rate law and activation energy. Catalysts. Living catalysts: enzymes.

Chemical equilibrium: the equilibrium constant, homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, the responsa of equilibria to changes.

Ionic equilibria in acqueous solutions. Acids and bases. pH determination. Buffer solutions.

Ionic equilibria in acqueous solutions. Acids and bases. pH determination. Buffer solutions. The solubility product: the common-ion effect and pH effect.

Redox reactions of biological interest: electron flow and production of biological work. Electrochemistry: galvanic cells. The electrochemical series. Electrolysis.

Organic chemistry: carbon based materials. Hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds. Functional groups: alcohols, ethers, phenols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, ammines and ammides. Main reactions and mechanisms. Electronic delocalization and resonance. Stereochemistry. Structural effects on reactivity.

Readings/Bibliography

R. A. Michelin, A. Munari “Fondamenti di Chimica per le Tecnologie” VI ed. CEDAM (PD) (2012).

2.    R. A. Michelin, M. Mozzon, A. Munari “Test ed esercizi di Chimica” VI ed. CEDAM (PD) (2012).

3.    W. Brown, T. Poon "Introduzione alla Chimica Organica" III ed. EDISES (Na) (2008)

Teaching methods

The course is composed by two parts, a theoretical and an exercise one. This latter concerns the resolution of exercises regarding stoichiometry, redox reactions and chemical equilibrium, to cite some examples.

Assessment methods

The assessment methods are two written works. Each written examination work consists of a number of multiple choice theory quiz (typically from 22 to 28) and exercises (usually 4), these latter regarding arguments treated in classroom exercises. To be able to access the second written work, you must have obtained a passing grade (at least 18) in the first written work.

Teaching tools

Blackboard and chalk; videoprojector, PC, . Copies of the teaching material are available for students on http://campus.cib.unibo.it.

Office hours

See the website of Nadia Lotti