69088 - Inorganic Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will possess adequate knowledge of inorganic systems, both as molecules and as extended solids, with focus on structure-properties relationship. The student will have basic knowledge of elements and their inorganic compounds.

Course contents

Prerequisites: The knowledge acquired during the course Fundamentals of Chemistry with Laboratory is assumed. Please refer to the syllabus of that course for a definition of the basic content necessary for an optimal understanding of the Inorganic Chemistry course. During the introductory lecture, the essential topics will nonetheless be listed.

Lecture topics:

• Introduction to the course.

• The structure of crystalline solids.

• Covalent and molecular solids.

• Metallic solids: concept of close-packing, defects, and metallic alloys.

• Ionic solids: structural types, formation and thermodynamic stability, solubility in water. Lattice enthalpies. Born–Haber cycle.

• Redox stability: Latimer, Frost, and Pourbaix diagrams.

• The elements and their compounds: groups 1 and 2, 13–18.

• d-block elements. Ellingham diagram (stability of metal oxides with respect to reduction by C and CO).

• Examples of properties and applications of inorganic compounds and solids as both traditional and innovative materials will be presented.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended textbook for study:

Geoff Rayner-Canham, Tina Overton, Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry, 6th (2014) edition, W. H. FREEMAN AND COMPANY, NEW YORK

-------------------------------------------------

Lecture slides – to be used solely as a study guide – will be uploaded to the VLE shortly before each class.

Any additional material provided by the instructor will also be available on the VLE.

-------------------------------------------------

Reference text, that the student might want to use for individual in-depth study: Mark Weller, Tina Overton, Jonathan Rourke, Fraser Armstrong, "Inorganic Chemistry", Oxford University Press.

-------------------------------------------------

Teaching methods

Lectures (blackboard, powerpoint, videoclips, graphical programs) and exercises

Assessment methods

Exam:
The exam is oral, generally lasting between 30 and 40 minutes, and consists of:

1. An assigned topic, usually an element not covered in class. The study material for the assigned element is in English and is uploaded to the VLE before the end of the lectures. During the oral exam, the assigned topic must be presented using a PowerPoint presentation, lasting 10 minutes. The presentation is worth 10 points. Binding guidelines for the presentation are provided at the end of the course and uploaded to the VLE.

2. Two or three questions covering all topics presented in class.
   Note:
   (a) At least one question concerns one of the following topics: solid-state structure, thermodynamics of ionic solids, redox stability and related diagrams.
   (b) At least one question concerns elements or groups from the periodic table, limited to the topics discussed in class.

At least one question may take the form of conceptual exercises/problems similar to those proposed during lectures.

Upon motivated written request (via email), the exam can be taken in written form. In this case, the date and time are freely agreed upon with the instructor, provided they fall within the official exam sessions.

The instructor reserves the right to propose a written exam during the extraordinary session following the Easter holidays, should the number of registered students not allow the completion of all oral exams within the time frame granted by the study program.

Assessment criteria:

• Failing grade: Significant gaps in content; fundamental deficiencies in basic chemical knowledge; inappropriate use of language; lack of ability to navigate the topics covered in the course.

• Pass: Barely appropriate language; poor argumentative skills; minimal knowledge of the exam topics.

• Good: Good memorized knowledge of the subject; fair ability to synthesize and analyze in an organized manner, with correct technical language.

• Excellent: In addition to solid knowledge, the ability to elaborate and process concepts is required; a clear and comprehensive overview of the topics, strong argumentative skills, and precise technical language are necessary.

-----------------------------------

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (at least 15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

--------------------------------------

Teaching tools

Graphical programs, crystallographic data bases, Powerpoint, web sites and movies.

Office hours

See the website of Fabrizia Grepioni