Fundamentals in Chemical and Analytical Methods
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to: a) theory and practice of the basic methodologies for operating in the chemical laboratory; b) theory and practice of the most common analytical techniques; c) statistical techniques for processing experimental data.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the students will be able to operate in a chemical laboratory, apply basic analytical methodologies and use statistical techniques for chemical data analysis.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Classroom lessons: Introduction to analytical chemistry. Classification of chemical methods of analysis. The analytical process. Basic principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Laboratory practice: safety; handling of glassware and reactants; measuring mass, volume and concentration. Fundamentals of chemometrics: errors in chemical analysis; processing analytical data (statistical tests, calibration). Volumetric titration: standard solutions, indicators, titration curves. Theory and application of acid - base and complexometric titrations (strong/weak species, polyprotic species, buffers, complexes and chelates). Titrations based on precipitation equilibra and gravimetric methods. Introduction to electrochemistry. Electrochemical cells. Electrodes classification. Potentiometry. Experimental pH measurement. Operative definition of pH. Potentiometric titrations. Introduction to spectroscopy. Quantitative analysis based on UV-Vis and atomic spectrophotometry.
Other classroom activities:
Introduction to laboratory experiments: Principles of chromatographic separations; the partition coefficient. Extraction with a separatory funnel. Main stationary and mobile phases. Extractions from aqueous solutions and with organic solvent. Column and thin layer chromatography. Rf calculation. Comparison of an unknown sample with a standard. TLC detection systems and TLC simulation exercises.
Worksheets for processing data obtained from classical and instrumental methods of analysis. Simulation of a titration and drawing of the titration curve. Electrolytic cell/ battery simulation. UV-Vis spectrophotometric determination by external calibration.
Laboratory activities:
1) Preparation of a standard solution by weighing and/ or dilution. Use of common glassware, technical and analytical balance, manipulation of aqueous solutions. 2) Solubility and aqueous equilibria. 3) Handling of polar organic compounds: extraction of caffeine from an energy drink (partition coefficient; use of a separatory funnel, Buchner filtration, celite filtration; use of rotavapor) + TLC and comparison with a standard; calculation of the extraction yield). 4) Handling of apolar organic compounds: extraction of lycopene from tomato concentrate (use of a thermomantle, use of refluxing, rotavapor, manipulation of apolar organic solvents; crystallization) + TLC qualitative analysis of product purity. 5) Volumetric titration. Use of the burette, preparation of primary and secondary standards, evaluation of colorimetric indicators. Statistical evaluation of the obtained data. 6) The experimental pH measurement (pHmeter with calibration and use of the glass membrane electrode); pH indicator papers and reactants. Preparation of a buffer solution and testing of the buffering power. pH measurement of food samples.
Other classroom activities:
Introduction to laboratory experiments: Principles of chromatographic separations; the partition coefficient. Extraction with a separatory funnel. Main stationary and mobile phases. Extractions from aqueous solutions and with organic solvent. Column and thin layer chromatography. Rf calculation. Comparison of an unknown sample with a standard. TLC detection systems and TLC simulation exercises.
Worksheets for processing data obtained from classical and instrumental methods of analysis. Simulation of a titration and drawing of the titration curve. Electrolytic cell/ battery simulation. UV-Vis spectrophotometric determination by external calibration.
Laboratory activities:
1) Preparation of a standard solution by weighing and/ or dilution. Use of common glassware, technical and analytical balance, manipulation of aqueous solutions. 2) Solubility and aqueous equilibria. 3) Handling of polar organic compounds: extraction of caffeine from an energy drink (partition coefficient; use of a separatory funnel, Buchner filtration, celite filtration; use of rotavapor) + TLC and comparison with a standard; calculation of the extraction yield). 4) Handling of apolar organic compounds: extraction of lycopene from tomato concentrate (use of a thermomantle, use of refluxing, rotavapor, manipulation of apolar organic solvents; crystallization) + TLC qualitative analysis of product purity. 5) Volumetric titration. Use of the burette, preparation of primary and secondary standards, evaluation of colorimetric indicators. Statistical evaluation of the obtained data. 6) The experimental pH measurement (pHmeter with calibration and use of the glass membrane electrode); pH indicator papers and reactants. Preparation of a buffer solution and testing of the buffering power. pH measurement of food samples.
Prerequisites for admission
General chemistry, Organic chemistry, Mathematics. Before attending the laboratory activities is MANDATORY to follow the safety lesson (date on MyAriel website) and to pass the relevant test carried out on the first laboratory session.
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures and exercises, laboratory activities. Laboratory activities are organized in several shifts bookable through UNIMIA and will be carried out in the laboratory on the ground floor at Via Mangiagalli 25.
Teaching Resources
Suggested textbook: Analytical Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis, Hage & Carr.
Additional slides available on MyAriel platform.
Additional slides available on MyAriel platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and exercises. Laboratory practice assessment is included. The exam lasts two hours. Assessment will be made on: theoretical and practical knowledge of the course; clarity in carrying out the exercises and explaining the answers.
Students with SLD and students with disabilities should contact by email the teachers at least 15 days before the exam to request accommodations. The university services: [email protected] (students with SLD) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities) should be CC in the email.
Students with SLD and students with disabilities should contact by email the teachers at least 15 days before the exam to request accommodations. The university services: [email protected] (students with SLD) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities) should be CC in the email.
CHIM/01 - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 5
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 1
CHIM/06 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - University credits: 2
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 1
CHIM/06 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - University credits: 2
Practicals: 24 hours
Laboratories: 24 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Laboratories: 24 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Shifts:
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
my office, DISMA, Via Celoria 2, Milano