PERIODICITY AND REACTIVITY OF THE ELEMENTS - 2021/2

Module Overview

The module provides and introduction to aspects of Inorganic Chemistry. The lecture based theory is supported by laboratory classes that explore practical skills, and by tutorials that consolidate learning through problem sets.
The starting point is basic quantum chemistry which leads to the concepts of orbitals and their electron occupation. This leads to the structure of the periodic table and periodic trends in the physical properties and chemical reactivity of the elements. The discussion progresses onto the fundamental structure and reactivity of main group and d-block elements. The chemical information is underpinned by a review and extension of bonding theories, culminating in molecular orbital theory as applied to the homonuclear diatomics H2 to F2.

Module provider

Chemistry

Module Leader

RIDDLESTONE Ian (Chm Proc Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:
• Origin and shape of s, p, d and f orbitals. Rules for orbital occupation, leading to atomic electron configurations: Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity and Pauli exclusion principle. Relationship to the periodic table.
• Brief review of trends in ionisation energies, electron affinity, electronegativity. Trends and definition of atomic, ionic, covalent and van der Waals radii. Oxidation states and redox reactions.
• Introduction to chemistry of s- and p-block elements and compounds. Link to periodicity.
• Bonding models including ‘valence shell expansion’, ionic, covalent and metallic bonding. Lewis structures and resonance, VSEPR theory, the concept of hybridisation. Lattice energy leading to Born-Haber cycles, Born-Lande equation. Madelung constant and Kapustinski equation. Radius ratio rules.
• Introduction to molecular orbital theory, construction of molecular orbital diagrams, sigma / pi / u / g / antibonding * nomenclature in relation to symmetry. Molecular orbital diagrams of homodiatomics from H2 to F2 and corresponding ions.
• Introduction to chemistry of the d-block elements and complexes. Trends and variation in oxidation state, nomenclature, structure and isomerism. Crystal field theory.
• Laboratory experiments on the synthesis, characterisation and determination of purity of p-block and d-block compounds. Gravimetric and thermal analysis, different methods of titration, crystallisation, reflux. Use of FTIR, uv/vis spectroscopies.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Failure in the laboratory may require re-assessment through a defined practical examination

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of fundamental aspects of periodicity, bonding, reactivity and structure of the main group and d-block elements and compounds.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• 1.5 hour examination (70%) addressing LO1-LO7
• Laboratory portfolio (30%) addressing LO7

Formative assessment
4 hours of tutorial sessions addressing LO1-LO7 through set problems
Laboratory portfolio consists of both formative and summative experiments addressing LO7


Feedback
Feedback on problem sets is provided in each tutorial
2 revision classes provide feedback on student’s approach to past examination problems
Feedback on laboratory performance is provided in each pre-lab session – 1 per week before each laboratory session

Module aims

• describe the electronic structure of atoms and relate this to the construction of the Periodic Table and the resultant periodicity
• give an overview of the structure and reactivity of the main group elements and compounds
• give an overview of the structure and reactivity of d-block complexes including crystal field theory, oxidation states, nomenclature and isomerism
• review simple bonding models and introduce molecular orbital theory for homodiatomics
• couple the theory with practical laboratory classes related to the synthesis, characterisation and purification of main group and d-block compounds.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: Transfer and embed knowledge, theories and concepts relevant to inorganic chemistry. This is achieved through lectures supported by smaller group tutorial sessions and laboratory classes. The learning and teaching methods include:

• 2 or 3 hours of lectures per week

• Two 1 hour revison classes

• 5 laboratory classes, each with a 1 hour pre-lab session

• 4 hours of tutorials

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE1042

Other information

None.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.