Laboratory of Physical Chemistry

Goals
The course provides the theoretical and practical aspects of chemical kinetics and for this includes both classroom lessons and laboratory exercises. The topics covered provide the bases of chemical kinetics for a correct understanding of the course of reactions according to the parameters that govern their velocity, in particular concentration of the reagents, temperature, and presence of catalytic species.

Acquired skills
After following the course and passing the final exam, the student will be able to:
- set the kinetic study of a chemical and / or catalytic reaction with obtaining the significant parameters related to the reaction rate and to its dependence on temperature.
- Organize the experimentation for the kinetic study of chemical reactions.
- Draw up a technical-scientific report on experiences carried out in a chemical laboratory.
- Collaborate with colleagues in a group work.

Course content
Reaction rate. Rate equation and rate constant. Order reaction and molecularity. Integrated kinetic equations for the principal order reactions (zero order-, first order-, second order-, and nth order- reactions). Half-period of reaction. Determination of the reaction order: integral method, differential method, half-period method, and isolation method. Consecutive reactions and the steady-state approximation. Parallel reactions. Opposing and equilibrium reactions.
Dependence of the rate constant on temperature. Arrhenius equation. Eyring equation and transition state theory. Catalysed reactions. Homogeneous catalysis.
Practical experiments: isothermal reactions in batch reactors with homogeneous catalysts in aqueous liquid phase and in organic solvent; reaction taking place with linearly increasing temperature.

Suggested prerequisites
Knowledge of the main concepts of differential and integral calculus. Computer knowledge for the use of spreadsheet.

Reference material
- P. Atkins, J. De Paula, Elementi di Chimica Fisica, Zanichelli, 2007, Chapters 10 and 11; or other editions for the chapters concerning the course topics.
- Lecture notes on the ARIEL_UNIMI platform to all UNIMI students.

Prerequisites
Knowledge of the main mathematical tools (derivatives and integrals). Knowledge of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and basic analytical chemistry and instrumental analytical chemistry

Assessment method
Written report on the work done in the laboratory exercises and oral examination on all aspects performed in the classroom and in the laboratory. Students will have to demonstrate that they understand the fundamentals of chemical kinetics and be able to develop the main kinetic equations and to be able to apply them logically

Mode of teaching
Lessons in classroom are strongly recommended (3 CFU). Some lessons in the classroom that will explain the experiences that will take place in the laboratory provide for mandatory attendance.
Required laboratory exercises (3 ECTS)
Language of instruction

Language of instruction
Italian

Attendance Policy
Students can access the oral examination only if the Report on the work done in the laboratory has been judged positively.

Website
http://sites.unimi.it/gervasinigroup/index.php/about/