Course Identification

Basic physical chemistry, basic descriptive quantum chemistry, basic thermodynamics (equilibrium thermodynamics), common sense (if available), healthy curiosity (strongly advisable). No knowledge in mathematics is needed; however, ability to perform basic logical analysis is absolutely necessary.

The course is addressed to the students that did not previously receive systematic course in chemistry of elements.

The course will follow the periodic table and provide information, slightly extended beyond a basic course, about the chemical properties of the elements and their compounds. The emphasis will be on the systematic comparative analysis of the chemical properties of elements and major tendencies. The course will be structured as covering the elements of the major groups (s- and p-) elements, as those for which the tendencies are easy to trace (about 2/3 of the course).

Another 1/3 of the course is meant to describe d-elements (transition metals), with the main emphasis on the duality of their chemical properties (combination of metallic and non-metallic tendencies). The differences between the first row and the second/third rows of d-elements will be analyzed in detail. Chemical properties of lanthanides will be considered briefly in the aspect of their similarity to the 3a and 3b groups.

Extra topic: Chemical properties of Th and U.

The primary objective of the course is to equip the students with the ability to anticipate chemical properties of compounds by analogy with those covered in the course.

Notes:

1. Submitting assignments is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Those who will submit less assignments will have the contributions to the final grade adjusted accordingly.
2. The exam is an open book exam. However, usage of laptops and internet access will be prohibited.

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences of chemical properties of inorganic compounds.
2. Assess chemical properties of a compound based on the basic chemical trends and analogy with other compounds.

Any book that would help to refresh the knowledge on prerequisites would help, i.e., any book on general chemistry.

The course will be mostly based on:

1. Greenwood N.N., Earnshaw A., Chemistry of Elements
2. Housecroft C., and Sharpe A., Inorganic Chemistry