Inorganic Chemistry 1

Overview

Main Group Chemistry:
 Definitions: Oxidation Number and State, Valency.
 Brønsted and Lewis acidity and basicity; hard and soft principles.
 Chemistry of the s-block.
 Introduction to the chemistry of the p-block elements, emphasizing:
 Halides and hydrides.
 Multiple bonding.
 Molecular geometries (VSEPR theory).
 Effective atomic number rule (Octet Rule).
 Hypervalency.
 Hydrogen Bonding.

Introduction to Coordination Chemistry:
 Introduction to coordination chemistry of the d-block elements.
 Trends and generalized properties, oxidation states.
 Complexes and ligands, (Lewis acids / bases).
 Co-ordination number, geometry, denticity, and chelates.
 Nomenclature
 Isomerism; geometrical, optical, ionisation, hydration, ligand, linkage and co-ordination.
 Crystal field theory d-orbital splitting in octahedral, tetrahedral and square planar complexes, Δ,
high / low spin.
 Exploration of thermodynamic stability.
 Redox Potentials

Introduction to Solids:
 States of matter and intermolecular forces
 Structure, energy and chemical bonding of solids
 Basic principles of chemistry in the solid state
 Structures of the elements, packing of spheres and metal structures
 Relationship between electronic structure, chemical bonding and crystal structure
 Salts, metals, ceramics, semiconductors and polymers
 Basic chemical and physical properties of solids
 Applications in materials chemistry

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this module a learner should be able to:
 Understand electronic configurations and the fundamentals of bonding,
 Understand Brønsted and Lewis acidity,
 Determine the oxidation state, valency and molecular geometry in simple inorganic compounds,
 Have a general overview of s and p-block chemistry,
 Have a general overview of d-block chemistry,
 Have a general overview of the principles of chemistry in the solid state,
 Perform simple synthetic procedures following a method,
 Obtain and analyse data from physico-chemical phenomena.
 Students should aim to achieve a solid grounding in the fundamental principles of atomic
structure, the principal quantum numbers and s and p orbitals and the periodic table, including
the ability to answer problems related to these concepts.
 They should be able to explain and use the aufbau principle.
 They should aim to achieve a good understanding of, and be able to explain, the trends in
atomic and ionic properties in the periodic table.
 They should develop the ability to use these concepts to explain and predict the properties of
the different elements.
 Students should be able to draw Lewis structures for simple molecules that obey the octet rule
and be able to use hybridisation to describe more complex structures and especially single,
double and triple bonds to carbon.
 They must be able to understand how and why resonance is used to describe a structure.
 They should understand the significance of molecular orbital diagrams, be able to
draw them for simple molecules and be able to use the molecular orbital diagram
to work out the order and suggest the stability of bonding.
 Students should be able to contrast the valence bond and molecular orbital theory.
 Students will receive an introduction to solids and understand the main classes of solids and
how they differ.

Skills

Learners are expected to demonstrate the following on completion of the module:
(All below are practised only):
 Communication – some spoken during practicals and help sessions but in general written.
 Numeracy – Level 3 attainment in maths and numbers
 Improving own learning & performance – Basic level of time management
 Problem-solving – Basic level of solving problems in exams, class tests. seminars and
laboratories.
 Safe handling of chemical materials, taking into account their physical and chemical properties,
including any specific hazards associated with their use
 Standard laboratory procedures involved in synthetic and analytical work.

Assessment

Assessment Profile
Element type Element weight (%)
1. Examination (2nd Semester) 80
2. Tutorial 20

Course Requirements:
 Tutorial attendance and submission at 80%
 All examinations must be passed at 40% or higher.