INORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY

Knowledge and understanding

Knowledge of the physical principles and fundamental concepts of the chemistry of the elements of the s-p block in relation to their electronic and structural properties. Knowledge of the characteristics of the electronic structure of the atom at the origin of the periodic behavior of the elements of the main groups, of the chemical bond in simple inorganic compounds, of their structure and geometry, of their reactivity limited to the elements of the main groups.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

Knowing how to use the chemical laws and concepts learned to solve theoretical and practical problems in a logical and deductive way. Knowing how to present the models and theories necessary to rationalize the reactivity of the compounds of the elements of the main groups, analyzing and discussing the periodic trend of the chemical properties. Knowing how to build a conceptual framework that allows to memorize / organize the facts inherent to the chemistry of the elements of the main groups (limited to their hydrides, oxides and binary halides).

Judgment skills

Particular attention is paid to the development of critical analysis skills of the key factors of the chemical processes underlying the reactivity of inorganic systems, in particular by tracing macroscopic phenomena to their structure and to the nature of the chemical bond.

Communication skills

Develop an ability to express using appropriate terminology, both in the oral and written fields. The exercises will stimulate group discussion and the ability to reach the result through a process of synthesis of the contributions that emerged in the discussion.

Learning ability

The use of a variety of sources is stimulated for the acquisition of the proposed contents and to address the problems.

Atomic structure, Quantum numbers and atomic wave functions, Screen effect, General properties of the elements. Recall of periodic properties. Diagonal relations, bond energies, stability of oxidation states.

Aspects of the structure and of the bond in the chemistry of the elements of the main groups.

Molecular orbitals and LCAO approximation. Molecular orbitals of homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic molecules. Molecular orbitals of larger molecules (CH4, NH3, H2O)

Acids and bases. Generalities and references. Superacids, halogenhydric acids. Acid strength of oxoacids. Ionic and covalent oxides: reaction with water. Enthalpy of hydration and acidity of hydrated cations. Hard-soft acids and bases (HSAB theory).

Redox chemistry of the elements. Review of electrochemistry. Latimer diagrams and Frost diagrams. Ossoanions and oxoacids of the elements p and d. Preparation of metals by reduction of minerals (via electrochemistry and chemistry). Redox reactions in common practice.

Solid state. Properties of solids and their general classification. Crystalline solids and crystal lattices. Molecular, covalent and ionic solids. Structures of ionic compounds. Relationship between ionic rays and types of crystal lattices. Lattice energy. Thermodynamic cycles for the determination of lattice energy and composition prediction. Covalent character of ionic bonds and Fajans rules. Solubility of inorganic salts

Metals. Metallic bond.

Non-Metals. General features. Formation of chains (E-E bonds). Allotropes.

Periodic trends of chemical and physical properties, types of bond of the elements of the s-p groups.

Preparation and uses of the elements of the main groups and their hydrides, oxides, binary halides and their reactivity

• Peter Atkins et al. ‘Chimica Inorganica’, Zanichelli,
• G.L. Miessler- D.A. Tarr ‘Chimica Inorganica’
• F.A. Cotton, G. Wilkinson ‘Chimica Inorganica’, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Oral exam or written paper with topics chosen by the candidate. Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should conditions require it.

The exam tends to ascertain the level of overall knowledge acquired by the candidate, his ability to critically address the topics studied and to relate the various parts of the program. The oral exam will consist of questions relating to the various parts of the program to ascertain the level of overall knowledge acquired by the candidate.

Criteria for awarding the final grade:

The mastery shown in the arguments, the critical vision of the topics addressed during the course and the ability to correlate the various parts of the program will contribute in equal measure to the formulation of the final grade.

Initially the exam includes a question that will focus on the chemistry of an element of the sp group. This will be followed by a question on the electronic structure and chemical bond present in a simple molecule. Another question may concern some practical examples of synthesis of the elements or their separation. Finally, the last question will concern a general aspect treated in the course such as 'solid state', ionic bond, metallic bond, HSAB theory.

Specific examples

1. Describe the meaning of the radial and angular components of the wave function and the information that can be derived from them relating to the orbitals

2. What are the main symmetry operations and the symmetry elements associated with them? Why are they important for the construction of molecular orbitals (give some simple examples)?

3. Describe the structures of solids (ionic, covalent and molecular) using the model of rigid spheres and the main types of elementary cells used for the description of crystalline structures

4. Describe what perovskites and spinels are.

5. How do you explain the conductivity of inorganic solids?

6. What is a semiconductor?

7. Liquid ammonia is a non-aqueous solvent. Describe its characteristics and differences with respect to water.

8. What is the difference between a Latimer diagram and a Frost diagram. What kind of information can be obtained?

9. Describe some of the main differences between C and Si chemistry and explain them.

10. Describe and comment on a laboratory experience

11. Chemistry and main compounds of the elements of the second group