Basic Inorganic and Organic Chemistry

By Jagdish Krishanlal Arora

"Basic Inorganic and Organic Chemistry" is a comprehensive textbook that serves as an essential introduction to the fundamental concepts of both inorganic and organic chemistry. The book covers a wide range of topics, starting from the atomic structure and periodic trends to the principles of chemical bonding, molecular shapes, and reactivity. In the inorganic chemistry section, it explores the properties and behaviors of main group elements, transition metals, coordination compounds, and their applications. In the organic chemistry section, the book delves into the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based compounds, offering insights into functional groups, reaction mechanisms, and stereochemistry. Throughout the text, readers will find a balanced blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications, making it an invaluable resource for students and enthusiasts looking to develop a strong foundation in chemistry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jagdish Arora
• Release date: Sep 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223617754

Book preview

Introduction

Basics are the base for advancement to higher studies. In any subject the basics are taught in schools. If we remember the basics of every subject, it is easy to understand the subjects in higher studies.

The subjects we study in school are only an introduction to different subjects which are called basics. Since, it is not possible for an individual person to master all the subjects in higher studies, we choose only one subject when we shift to either becoming an Engineer, Doctor or a Computer Professional.

But basics are needed not only in school and higher studies, but are also required as part of everyday life to understand how things work around us.

To understand Organic Chemistry easily, it will be better to focus on the chemical reactions that take place between different molecules or compounds and remembering them. Organic compounds are generally formed by a combination of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N).

Wherever metals are involved those are inorganic reactions or compounds/substance/molecules using gold, silver, copper, iron, aluminium and other metals. Although, not all inorganic chemical compounds will have metals in them and even acids can be inorganic as well as organic acids. This can be understood only on studying at least 50 % of the subject to understand the difference.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

Definition and scope of inorganic chemistry: Inorganic chemistry serves as the foundational cornerstone of the chemical world, focusing on the properties, behaviours, and reactions of inorganic compounds. This chapter focuses into the fundamental aspects of inorganic chemistry, outlining its scope, differentiating it from organic chemistry, and highlighting the vital role that inorganic compounds play in various aspects of life and industry.

Distinction between inorganic and organic chemistry: A central distinction between inorganic and organic chemistry lies in their focus on different types of compounds. Organic chemistry concentrates on carbon-containing compounds, delving into their intricate structures, functional groups, and reactions. In contrast, inorganic chemistry explores compounds without the C-H bonds that are characteristic of organic molecules. The division is not strict, as there are instances of overlap, such as organometallic compounds that merge elements of both fields. However, this distinction offers a convenient framework for understanding the diverse nature of chemical compounds.

Importance of inorganic compounds in daily life and industry: Inorganic compounds are pervasive in our daily lives, influencing various aspects of our surroundings and activities. Metals like iron, copper, and aluminium are vital components of infrastructure, used in construction, transportation, and electrical systems. Transition metal compounds serve as catalysts in industrial processes, expediting chemical reactions that enable the production of numerous goods. Notably, platinum-based catalysts are integral to the conversion of harmful automobile exhaust gases into less toxic substances.

Inorganic chemistry also underpins advancements in medicine and technology. Medicinal compounds containing inorganic elements, such as platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, contribute to fighting cancer. Additionally, semiconductors, which rely on the properties of inorganic compounds like silicon, are the basis of modern electronics.

Furthermore, the study of inorganic chemistry plays a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges. Understanding the behaviour of heavy metals and their interactions with natural systems is crucial for managing pollution and safeguarding ecosystems.

Chapter 2: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Atomic Structure: Protons, Neutrons, Electrons: At the heart of chemistry and the understanding of matter lies the concept of atomic structure. The composition of atoms, the building blocks of all matter, is an intricate interplay between three fundamental particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. This chapter delves into the intricacies of atomic structure, exploring the properties, roles, and interactions of these particles within the context of the modern atomic model.

Introduction to the Atomic Model: The concept of atoms as indivisible entities dates back to ancient Greece, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that groundbreaking experiments led to the development of the modern atomic model. The work of scientists like Ernest Rutherford, Niels Bohr, and James Chadwick paved the way for our current understanding of atomic structure.

Protons: Positive Nucleus: Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found within the nucleus of an atom. They contribute to the atom's overall positive charge and are crucial in defining the identity of an element. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus is known as the atomic number, a fundamental property that determines an element's place in the periodic table. The unification of protons and neutrons within the nucleus is governed by the strong nuclear force, a powerful attraction that overcomes the repulsion between positively charged protons.

Neutrons: Neutral Nucleus: Neutrons, like protons, are subatomic particles residing within the nucleus. However, they carry no charge, rendering them electrically neutral. Neutrons play a vital role in stabilizing the nucleus by counteracting the electrostatic repulsion between protons. The number of neutrons in an atom can vary, resulting in isotopes atoms of the same element with different mass numbers. Isotopes exhibit similar chemical behaviour but may differ in physical properties due to variations in mass.

Electrons: Orbiting Cloud: Electrons, negatively charged particles, orbit the nucleus in regions known as electron shells or energy levels. Each shell can accommodate a specific number of electrons, with the innermost shell having the lowest energy and being filled first. The arrangement of electrons in these shells determines an atom's chemical properties and reactivity. The behaviour of electrons is governed by quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes the behaviour of particles on the atomic and subatomic scales.

Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Isotopes: The atomic number defines an element's identity and is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Isotopes, are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. This leads to variations in mass while retaining similar chemical properties.

Electron Configuration and Periodic Table: Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's electron shells. It is represented using electron notation and provides insight into an element's chemical behaviour. The periodic table, a cornerstone of chemistry, organizes elements based on their atomic number and electron configuration. Elements in the same group exhibit similar chemical properties due to their comparable valence electron configurations.

The number of protons, neutrons, and electrons within the atomic structure gives rise to the type of atoms we know in the periodic table. The properties and interactions of these subatomic particles provide a framework for understanding the behaviours of elements and the foundations of chemistry itself. The atoms in the periodic table combine to form various substances which we shall study further.

The Organization of Elements in the Periodic Table: The periodic table contains both organic (non-metals such as gases – Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Helium, Argon) as well as inorganic atoms/elements (such as metals – Iron, Copper, Gold, Silver and others).

When two or more atoms combine, they give rise to organic and inorganic molecules.

The periodic table stands as one of the most iconic and powerful tools in the realm of chemistry. Its elegant arrangement of elements presents a systematic framework that not only encapsulates the fundamental properties of these elements but also serves as a guide to understanding their behaviours, trends, and relationships. This chapter delves into the profound organization of elements within the periodic table, elucidating the patterns that underlie the diversity of matter.

Historical Development of the Periodic Table: The journey towards the modern periodic table is marked by the contributions of numerous scientists who recognized patterns in the properties of elements. Dmitri Mendeleev's pioneering work in the mid-19th century led to the creation of the first periodic table. Mendeleev's arrangement of elements based on their properties and the prediction of undiscovered elements showcased the power of this organizational tool. Over time, the table evolved as new elements were discovered and quantum mechanics provided deeper insights into atomic structure.

Periods and Groups: The Basics of Arrangement: The periodic table is divided into periods (rows) and groups (columns). Periods represent the