Foundations of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry

The Teaching Unit 1 of the course offers a strict introduction to the basic, theoretical and experimental principles of general chemistry, with clear links to the environmental sciences. We intend to present the concepts of chemistry in a logical order that fosters their understanding by the student, starting from the properties of atoms and molecules, then exploring thermodynamics and equilibrium, to make a brief discussion of kinetics. As learning outcomes, the following understanding are expected: i) the atomic model, chemical bonds and properties of matter; ii) aspects related to thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium; iii) the theory of acids and bases, and equilibria in solution; iv) electrochemical notions; v) the principles of chemical kinetics. Particular attention will be paid to the description of the chemical elements and to the periodic properties with the aim of favoring the understanding and the role of chemistry in the real world.
The main contents of the Teching Unit 1 can be summarized as follows:
· Definitions of matter and brief overview of nomenclature.
· Atomic models, periodic table and periodic properties.
· The chemical bond: ionic, covalent and exceptions to the octet rule. The metallic bond.
· Liquid, solid and gaseous states. Phase transitions and phase diagrams.
· Chemical thermodynamics: enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy; first, second and third principles of thermodynamics.
· Chemical equilibrium: equilibrium reactions, equilibrium constants, equilibrium response to physico-chemical changes.
· Acids and bases: definitions of Arrhenius, Broensted, Lewis; acid-base equilibria; pH scale.
· Equilibrium in aqueous solution. Mixed solutions and buffer; titrations; solubility equilibria.
· Overview of electrochemistry.
· Chemical kinetics: reaction rate; concentration and time; reaction mechanisms; catalysis.

The Teaching Unit 2 of the course focuses on organic chemistry and the main topics are here below listed.
Representation of the structural formula of organic molecules and their reactions in organic chemistry. Alkanes and cycloalkanes. Alkenes and alkynes. Alkyl halides. Alcohols. Ethers, epoxides and thiols. Carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones). Carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Aromatic compounds. Amines. Cases of environmental interest.