GENERAL AND INSTRUMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY - MOD. 1

In these classes, the fundamental knowledge regarding the chemical equilibria in solution, volumetric, and gravimetric analytical techniques will be provided to the students. Furthermore, the classes aims to provide the tools to achieve the knowledge, and understanding of the principal methods for the elaboration of the analytical data applied in chemical analysis laboratories. Through cases of study, the students will acquire the capacity to critically evaluate analytical problems.

Knowledge and comprehension - The student is often warned about the danger to memorise complex mathematic expressions, especially when these can be derived from more simple ones. He/she must be capable to obtain the fundamental expressions on the basis of the simple definition of chemical equilibium. The link of the mathematic expressions to the phenomena they account for must be well clear and proof of this should be given in the oral test.
Capability to apply knowledge and comprehension - The student should be capable to operate mathematic and phenomenologic links between processes occurring at the same time.
Autonomy in expressing judgments – The student should be finally capable to extrapolate the general concept from the particular example presented by the teacher, in order to apply the principle to any situation that may arise.
Communication ability. The use of a proper vocabulary and a correct scientific terminology is often underlined in the frame of the theoretical lessons. The oral test verifies the understanding capability and the correctness and clarity of the answers given, both from a scientific and a linguistic point of view.
Learning capability. Different paths are effective in order to achieve best understanding of a phenomenon by different students, depending on the individual previous scientific education and on the individual way of thinking. For this reason the lessons aim at exposing each single topic by following different approaches.

The knowledge of the general chemistry is required.

Experimental error: precision, bias, random and systematic errors; significant digits and approximation of the experimental data; normal distribution of the data; mean and standard deviation; confidence interval; Significance tests: Q test, t test and F test.
Regression by least squares method.
Solutions: expressions of concentration; preparation of a solution of known concentration.
Principles of gravimetric, volumetric and instrumental.
Chemical reactions: references to chemical equilibrium and equilibrium constant; activity and activity coefficient, Debye-Huckel equation.
Acid-base equilibria: definition of acid and base; dissociation constants; autoproteolysis of water.
equilibria for mono- and polyprotic weak acids and bases: systematic treatment for the calculation of the pH; dissociation degree; pH variations by addition of strong base to a solution containing weak acid and vice versa; buffer solutions; amino acids.
Solubility equilibria: product of solubility; effect of the common ion; variations in the concentration of an ion for formation of a precipitate; fractional precipitation; solubility equilibria influenced by pH.
Complexation equilibria: definition of coordination compound; formation constant; simultaneous complexation, precipitation and acid-base equilibria; complexation reactions with EDTA.

Skoog, West, Holler "Chimica Analitica un'introduzione", EdiSES
D.C. Harris "Chimica Analitica Quantitativa", ed. Zanichelli

The examination will consist in:
1) a written test based on numeric exercises and open questions regarding the knowledge acquired both during the classes and the laboratories (50% of the final mark).
2) an oral examination aiming at deeper analysis of the comprehension of the candidates of the key aspects of analytical chemistry (20% of the final mark).
Success in the written test is a necessary condition to pass the oral exam.

These two examinations will average with the evaluation of the laboratory reports (30% of the final mark)

The minimum requirements to pass the examination are:
- The theoretical and technical knowledge of the volumetric and gravimetric analytical methods.
- The knowledge of the equilibria in solution.
- The theoretical and technical knowledge of basic statistics.

The course consists of lectures supported by slides that that are given in advance to the students, under the form of downloadable files, so that they can add personal observations and notes, based on the teacher’s talks. Lectures will be complemented with experimental session regarding the topics explained during the classes Textbooks are also suggested, on which the student may pursue best understanding of the topics dealt with, taking into consideration the different previous educational path followed by the different students, and the personal feeling of each student. The students are very frequently encouraged to stop the teacher’s talk to put questions, as well as to contact the teacher, out of the lesson time, in order to get help in clarifying points that have not been fully understood.

Italian

written and oral