66684 - Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to understand and apply the analytical techniques, can identify the chemical equilibria present and evaluate. Influence of chemical parameters on them. He knows the basic statistics necessary for the presentation of analytical data. He knows the potentiometric analytical techniques. At the end of the course, students will be able to recognize the laboratory equipment and describe its use; know how to implement key techniques of volumetric analysis for the quantitative determination of chemical species on the basis of chemical equilibria involved. Will be able to bear with the work of a lab notebook. It will also be able to process and present experimental results using the most appropriate statistical tests.

Course contents

THEORY:

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. Calibration and measurement. Linear regression. Concept of detection limit.

Acids and bases in water: 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 thre equivalent point. Titration error. An outline on acids and bases in non aqueous solvents. Acid/base properties of solvents. Influence of solvents in acid/base reactions.

Solubility equilibria: Solubility as a function of pH. Precipitation titrations.

Complex 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.

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

Conductimetry: Direct and indirect measurements. Conductometric titrations.

LABORATORY:

The following experiments will be performed in the laboratory:

1. Calibration of buret, pipet and volumetric flask by weight of water delivered.
2. Titrimetric determinations: Neutralization methods.
3. Complexation titrations.
4. Redox titrations.
5. Potentiometry. Glass electrode: Calibration, calibration curve (E-pH), and tritimetric determination of an acid  using Gran's plot. Analytical determination by using ion sensitive elecytrodes.
6. Potentiometric
7. Conductivity. Evaluation of the cell constant. Titrations.

Readings/Bibliography

D.C. Harris, “Chimica Analitica Quantitativa”, Zanichelli, Bologna,

F. W. Fifield, D. Kealey, “Chimica Analitica teoria e pratica”, Zanichelli, Bologna

Skoog,. West, Holler,Crouch, “Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica”, EdiSES, Napoli

Elizabeth Prichard, Victoria Barwick, "Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry" John Wiley

C. G. Enke, “The art and science of chemical analysis”Wiley

Teaching methods

The course of analytical chemistry and laboratory involves front lecture (theory and introduction notes for the laboratory experiences), numerical calculation on solution chemistry and laboratory experiences. Students should have a bound laboratory notebook for recording all the data at the time of the observation during laboratory classes. The recording of data on loose pieces of paper or in a preliminary note book is expressly forbidden.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written test lasting 3 hours. The written test aims to evaluate the acquisition of the knowledge and skills required by the course program by solving exercises and answering open questions. During the written test, the use of textbooks, the periodic table and lecture notes (or slides)is not allowed. The exam, if passed, remains valid for the sessions scheduled for the academic year in which the course was held.

Teaching tools

Use of the projector and blackboard during classes. Textbook.

Office hours

See the website of Erika Scavetta

See the website of Isacco Gualandi