Inorganic Chemistry for Dummies

by Matson, Michael; Orbaek, Alvin W.

• ISBN13: 9781118217948
• ISBN10: 1118217942
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-06-24
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

The easy way to get a grip on inorganic chemistry Inorganic chemistry can be an intimidating subject, but it doesn't have to be! Whether you're currently enrolled in an inorganic chemistry class or you have a background in chemistry and want to expand your knowledge, Inorganic Chemistry For Dummies is the approachable, hands-on guide you can trust for fast, easy learning. Inorganic Chemistry For Dummies features a thorough introduction to the study of the synthesis and behavior of inorganic and organometallic compounds. In plain English, it explains the principles of inorganic chemistry and includes worked-out problems to enhance your understanding of the key theories and concepts of the field. Presents information in an effective and straightforward manner Covers topics you'll encounter in a typical inorganic chemistry course Provides plain-English explanations of complicated concepts If you're pursuing a career as a nurse, doctor, or engineer or a lifelong learner looking to make sense of this fascinating subject, Inorganic Chemistry For Dummies is the quick and painless way to master inorganic chemistry.

Author Biography

Michael L. Matson is an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Houston-Downtown where he instructs Inorganic Chemistry. Alvin W. Orbaek is a research assistant at Rice University, Houston, Texas, where he is completing his PhD in chemistry.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I: Reviewing Some General Chemistry 7

Chapter 1: Introducing Inorganic Chemistry 9

Chapter 2: Following the Leader: Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends 21

Chapter 3: The United States of Oxidation 39

Chapter 4: Gone Fission: Nuclear Chemistry 53

Chapter 5: The ABCs: Acid-Base Chemistry 69

Part II: Rules of Attraction: Chemical Bonding 81

Chapter 6: No Mr. Bond, I Expect You to π: Covalent Bonding 83

Chapter 7: Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory 101

Chapter 8: Ionic and Metallic Bonding 121

Chapter 9: Clinging to Complex Ions: Coordination Complexes 143

Part III: It’s Elemental: Dining at the Periodic Table 159

Chapter 10: What the H? Hydrogen! 161

Chapter 11: Earning Your Salt: The Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals 171

Chapter 12: The Main Groups 183

Chapter 13: Bridging Two Sides of the Periodic Table: The Transition Metals 207

Chapter 14: Finding What Lies Beneath: The Lanthanides and Actinides 221

Part IV: Special Topics 233

Chapter 15: Not Quite Organic, Not Quite Inorganic: Organometallics 235

Chapter 16: Accelerating Change: Catalysts 253

Chapter 17: Bioinorganic Chemistry: Finding Metals in Living Systems 267

Chapter 18: Living in a Materials World: Solid-State Chemistry 287

Chapter 19: Nanotechnology 305

Part V: The Part of Tens 313

Chapter 20: Ten Nobels 315

Chapter 21: Tools of the Trade: Ten Instrumental Techniques 319

Chapter 22: Ten Experiments 323

Chapter 23: Ten Inorganic Household Products 329

Glossary 335

Index 343