Analytical Chemistry I and Laboratory M - Z

Module Module 1

The course aims to provide students with fundamental concepts on ionic equilibria in solution as well as with theoretical and practical tools for quantitative analysis in laboratory (module 2). The purpose of the course is to give a global vision of the analytical process, from the selection of the method of analysis to data processing and critical discussion of the results through the application of the principles which rule chemical equilibria in solution and the use of the classical analytical methods.

Knowledge and understanding:

Knowledge of the essential concepts for the study of ionic equilibria in solution.

Applying knowledge and understanding:

Development of tools for understanding and applying in lab methods and procedures for quantitative chemical analysis as well as for the presentation and discussion of the analytical data. Development of suitable skills to create and support subjects/demonstrations and to solve problems on the topics covered in the course.

Making judgements:

Capability to solve problems on solution equilibria, collect and interpret experimental data basing on the acquired knowledge and laboratory experiments.

Communication skills:

Acquiring proper language skills and ability to rigorously expose the topics covered in the course.

Learning skills:

Capability to develop tools and skills to successfully undertake further study paths with a high level of autonomy.

Class lectures and exercises aimed at solving problems on ionic equilibria in solution.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Basic principles of Mathematics, Physics, General and Inorganic Chemistry

Basic concepts on analytical chemistry. Gibbs free energy and chemical equilibria. Equilibrium constants. Factors affecting the equilibrium constant. Ionic strength. Activity and activity coefficients. Debye-Huckel theory. Temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant.

Acid-base equilibria. The ionic product of water. pH. Strength of acids and bases. Strong acids and bases: pH calculation. Mass and charge balance equations, proton condition. Weak acids and bases: pH calculation and approximation criteria. Buffer solutions: pH calculation and buffer capacity. Polyprotic acids. Species distribution diagrams. Amphoteric species. Mixtures of acids and/or bases. Acid-base titration curves.

Solubility equilibria. Solubility product. Dependence on temperature, solvent and ionic strength. Solubility. Effect of the common-ion, pH and complex formation on the solubility of a poorly soluble salt. Precipitation titrations.

Complex formation equilibria. Metal-ligand complexes. Mono and polydentate ligands. Degree of formation. Role of the pH on the complex formation equilibria. EDTA, acid-base and complexing properties. Conditional formation constant. Minimum pH for effective titrations. Complexometric titrations.

1. H. Freiser, Q. Fernando, “Gli Equilibri Ionici nella Chimica Analitica", Piccin, Padova

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

3. I. M. Kolthoff, E. B. Sandell, E. J. Meehan, S. Bruckenstein, “Analisi Chimica Quantitativa”, Piccin, Padova

4. F. J. Holler, S. R. Crouch, “Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica”, terza ed., Edises, Napoli

Written and oral test

The written test will contain exercises similar to those already discussed and solved during the classes; one of the exercises will deal with laboratory-related topics. The written test will be considered successful only if the majority of the exercises are correctly solved.

The oral test will be carried out only if the written test has been successfully passed. The test intends to ascertain the knowledge of the student upon the subjects presented and discussed during the class lectures and lab experiments. The use of a proper scientific language as well as of a critical approach to face/solve issues related to analytical chemistry and its applications will be also evaluated.

The tests might be carried out also remotely/on-line if required by special conditions/events.