Structural Chemistry

Goals: The course provides an introduction to X-ray diffraction structural techniques, paying particular attention to experimental aspects and interpretation of data. The aim of the course is therefore to make the student understand what structural information can be obtained from this type of investigation.

Acquired skills:Ability to interpret and use structural information of crystalline substances.

Course content: Crystal Systems and Symmetry. The International Tables for X-ray crystallography. X-ray production. The crystal lattice. X-ray diffraction. Bragg's Law. The reciprocal lattice. Structure factors and Fourier Syntheses. Experimental methods. Structure solution and refinement. Interpretation of results. Crystallographic Databases. Fundamental aspects of growth processes:a) Nucleation: Primary and secondary nucleation. Metastable zone and Ostwald's rule of stages. b) Growth: Supersaturation and mass transport; kinetics and mechanisms of crystal growth. Morphology of the crystals:theories for predicting crystal habit;changes in morphology and crystal habit.
Suggested prerequisites:none
Reference material
G.H. Stout & L.H. Jensen "X-ray Structure Determination: a practical guide" Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc. New York.
Werner Massa "Crystal Structure Determination" Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
R. Davey and J. Garside "From molecules to crystallizer: an introduction to crystallization" ed. Oxford Science Publication
Assessment method: The exam consists of an oral discussion covering all the subjects discussed in the course to verify both the gained knowledges and the ability of critical analysis of the covered topics.
Language of instruction: Italian
Attendance Policy: strongly recommended
Mode of teaching: traditional. The material used during the lessons will be provided to the students.