Course content

The course provides an overview of fundamental and important topics in inorganic chemistry: The structure of the atom, including basic quantum mechanics. The build-up of the periodic table using the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, Pauli's exclusion principle, and shielding. Periodic properties such as atomic size, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity, and polarizability. The structure and bonding of molecules explained using the Lewis structure model, VSEPR theory, valence bond theory, and molecular orbital theory. Basic concepts of bond length and -strength as well as -enthalpy. The structure of solid substances with an emphasis on ionic compounds. Definition of lattice enthalpy and the Born-Haber cycle. Calculation of lattice enthalpy and its consequences on the properties of solid inorganic substances. Defects and non-stoichiometry. Use of molecular orbital theory for metals and inorganic solids. Band theory to explain the electronic properties of solid materials. Acids and bases with an emphasis on Brønsted theory for oxides and the definition of Lewis acids/bases and their group characteristics. Hard and soft Lewis acids and bases. Reactions between acids and bases and non-aqueous solvents. Applications of acids and bases. Introduction to coordination compounds, definitions, nomenclature, isomerism, and chirality. d-metal complexes with a focus on electronic structure and properties. Crystal field and ligand field theory. The elements and their compounds: Review of the chemical properties of elements and compounds of important elements with an emphasis on periodic properties. Production of important chemical substances with an emphasis on Norwegian industry. A sustainability perspective is included in the course with a focus on green chemistry and critical elements.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the structure of the atom based on quantum mechanics and explain the periodic properties of atoms.
• Explain the structure and bonding in molecules/ions and predict the structure of molecules/ions.
• Explain selected crystal structures of ionic compounds, explain the parameters that affect the crystal structure of a compound, and perform calculations of the lattice enthalpy of ionic compounds.
• Use the VESTA program to visualize simple crystal structures of inorganic compounds.
• Explain the most common defects in inorganic compounds and how these affect properties.
• Explain the band structure of solids and determine electrical properties.
• Explain the different definitions of acids/bases and predict reactions between acids and bases.
• Explain the definition of coordination compounds, name them, and determine isomerism.
• Explain theories for determining the electronic structure of d-metal complexes and explain the properties of these complexes.
• Use spectroscopy to determine the concentration of d-metal complexes in water.
• Understand the principles for synthesizing coordination compounds.
• Explain the periodic properties of different groups of compounds with an emphasis on production methods and applications for selected elements and compounds.
• Synthesize inorganic compounds from aqueous solutions of salts and characterize them using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy.
• Understand the principles for the production of inorganic chemical substances using the principes of green chemistry.
• Handle toxic substances safely in the laboratory.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, demonstrations, written assignments, 2 midterm tests and laboratory exercises.Expected time spent on this course: Lectures: 80 timer, Laboratory work: 20 timer. Exercises: 30 timer. Self study: 80 timer"

Compulsory assignments

• Midterm test 1
• Midterm test 2
• Exercises
• Laboratory coarse

Recommended previous knowledge

Competence in general and fundamental chemistry.

Required previous knowledge

Documented competence in general and fundamental chemistry.

Course materials

Weller, Overton, Rourke, Armstrong, Inorganic chemistry, Oxford Press, 7th edition, 2018.

Laboratoriehefte TMT4130 Uorganisk kjemi (will be provided by us)

Credit reductions