Advanced Industrial Chemistry with Laboratory
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Students will gain a deep understanding of the advanced industrial chemical processes and their critical applications within various sectors, emphasizing efficient production techniques and sustainable practices. The course includes hands-on laboratory sessions that complement the theoretical knowledge with practical experience in industrial chemistry processes. Furthermore, an advanced section on organic chemistry will be covered, delving into complex organic reactions and their industrial applications. This comprehensive approach will enhance students' analytical and problem-solving skills and improve their ability to communicate chemical concepts effectively in both academic and industrial environments.
Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to develop a robust understanding of advanced chemical processes and their applications within various industries, focusing on sustainability and technological innovations. The course aims to sharpen analytical and problem-solving skills tailored to address complex challenges in industrial chemistry. By mastering technical terminology and communication, students will be equipped to convey detailed chemical concepts clearly and effectively in diverse professional contexts.
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
Lessons by Prof. Albanese (Organic Chemistry 3 CFU)
Hydrocarbon conversion processes: steam cracking for the synthesis of light olefins, alkylation and isomerisation processes for production of high-octane gasoline.
Separation of C4 and C5 streams and use of conjugated diolefins thereof: butadiene, isoprene, cyclopentadiene. Higher olefins industrial manufacture by ethylene oligomerization and olefin metathesis.
Hydrocarbon desulfurization processes: hydrodesulfurization, hydrogen sulphide absorption, Claus process and biodesulfuration.
Aromatics supply form catalytic reforming and steam cracking. Manufacture of significant aromatic building blocks such as ethylbenzene, styrene, cumene, phenol and bisphenol A.
Manufacture of allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin and epoxyresins. The interfacial process and the phosgene free process for polycarbonate manufacture.
The anthraquinone hydrogen peroxide process.
Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide processes. Glycols and polyols from renewables.
Adipic acid and caprolactam manufacturing processes. Adipic acid from renewables.
Acrylonitrile, adiponitrile and methyl methacrylate manufacturing processes.
Sustainable industrial organic chemistry: comparative assessment of alternative processes, green metrics and process intensification.
Lessons by Prof. Bianchi (Inorganic Chemistry 3 CFU)
This section provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes and substances used across various industries, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. It starts with the production and application of green ammonia, using a new Swiss plant as a case study to highlight sustainable practices in ammonia production and its role in reducing environmental impact.
In the ceramic industry, students will explore the chemical processes involved, including material selection, chemical formulations, and the role of high-temperature reactions in producing various ceramic products. The course also examines the crucial role of chemistry in producing high-quality steel, aluminum, and glass, focusing on the control of impurities and the enhancement of material properties.
Additionally, the program delves into the chemical processes used in the recycling of aluminum, glass, paper, and plastics. This includes studying the breakdown of materials, chemical treatments for purification, and the challenges of recycling chemical contaminants. The hydrogen production segment discusses various methods, emphasizing the chemical reactions involved such as electrolysis and steam reforming, and its importance in energy transitions.
The course further explores the latest innovations in industrial chemistry, including catalysis, chemical sensors, and novel industrial inorganic-based formulations , providing insights into how cutting-edge chemical technologies are shaping industries. It concludes with discussions on ethical and environmental considerations in industrial chemistry, focusing on pollution control, waste management, and sustainable development goals, ensuring that students are prepared to address the challenges and opportunities in the field of industrial chemistry.
LABORATORY (PROF. ALBANESE, ORTENZI, GAZZOTTI)
The Laboratory will cover topics related to Industrial Chemistry syntheses and experiences in different fields of Chemistry.
PLASTICIZERS:
a) synthesis of 2-ethyl-2-hexenal as the first step of the industrial manufacture of 2-ethylhexanol
b) Synthesis of bis-2-ethylhexyl adipate as alternative non-phthalate plasticizer through the esterification of adipic acid with 2-ethylhexanol overcoming the equilibrium constrain.
FORMULATION: Synthesis of acrylic-based dispersants and their use as fluidizing ingredient in formulations
ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: Synthesis of amide-based API using green chemistry principles
ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: Suzuki synthesis for the formation of C-C bonds
CHEMICAL RECYCLING: Depolymerization of PET coming from bottle scraps and use of the molecules obtained for organic synthesis.
Other experiences might be proposed according to the timetable of the laboratory
Hydrocarbon conversion processes: steam cracking for the synthesis of light olefins, alkylation and isomerisation processes for production of high-octane gasoline.
Separation of C4 and C5 streams and use of conjugated diolefins thereof: butadiene, isoprene, cyclopentadiene. Higher olefins industrial manufacture by ethylene oligomerization and olefin metathesis.
Hydrocarbon desulfurization processes: hydrodesulfurization, hydrogen sulphide absorption, Claus process and biodesulfuration.
Aromatics supply form catalytic reforming and steam cracking. Manufacture of significant aromatic building blocks such as ethylbenzene, styrene, cumene, phenol and bisphenol A.
Manufacture of allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin and epoxyresins. The interfacial process and the phosgene free process for polycarbonate manufacture.
The anthraquinone hydrogen peroxide process.
Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide processes. Glycols and polyols from renewables.
Adipic acid and caprolactam manufacturing processes. Adipic acid from renewables.
Acrylonitrile, adiponitrile and methyl methacrylate manufacturing processes.
Sustainable industrial organic chemistry: comparative assessment of alternative processes, green metrics and process intensification.
Lessons by Prof. Bianchi (Inorganic Chemistry 3 CFU)
This section provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes and substances used across various industries, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. It starts with the production and application of green ammonia, using a new Swiss plant as a case study to highlight sustainable practices in ammonia production and its role in reducing environmental impact.
In the ceramic industry, students will explore the chemical processes involved, including material selection, chemical formulations, and the role of high-temperature reactions in producing various ceramic products. The course also examines the crucial role of chemistry in producing high-quality steel, aluminum, and glass, focusing on the control of impurities and the enhancement of material properties.
Additionally, the program delves into the chemical processes used in the recycling of aluminum, glass, paper, and plastics. This includes studying the breakdown of materials, chemical treatments for purification, and the challenges of recycling chemical contaminants. The hydrogen production segment discusses various methods, emphasizing the chemical reactions involved such as electrolysis and steam reforming, and its importance in energy transitions.
The course further explores the latest innovations in industrial chemistry, including catalysis, chemical sensors, and novel industrial inorganic-based formulations , providing insights into how cutting-edge chemical technologies are shaping industries. It concludes with discussions on ethical and environmental considerations in industrial chemistry, focusing on pollution control, waste management, and sustainable development goals, ensuring that students are prepared to address the challenges and opportunities in the field of industrial chemistry.
LABORATORY (PROF. ALBANESE, ORTENZI, GAZZOTTI)
The Laboratory will cover topics related to Industrial Chemistry syntheses and experiences in different fields of Chemistry.
PLASTICIZERS:
a) synthesis of 2-ethyl-2-hexenal as the first step of the industrial manufacture of 2-ethylhexanol
b) Synthesis of bis-2-ethylhexyl adipate as alternative non-phthalate plasticizer through the esterification of adipic acid with 2-ethylhexanol overcoming the equilibrium constrain.
FORMULATION: Synthesis of acrylic-based dispersants and their use as fluidizing ingredient in formulations
ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: Synthesis of amide-based API using green chemistry principles
ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: Suzuki synthesis for the formation of C-C bonds
CHEMICAL RECYCLING: Depolymerization of PET coming from bottle scraps and use of the molecules obtained for organic synthesis.
Other experiences might be proposed according to the timetable of the laboratory
Prerequisites for admission
Basic concepts of organic and inorganic chemistry.
Students will be allowed to attend the laboratory section if enrolled to the Master Degree.
Students will be allowed to attend the laboratory section if enrolled to the Master Degree.
Teaching methods
Course consisting of face-to-face lectures conducted on campus. The participatio is strongly suggested.
The laboratory frequency is mandatory.
The laboratory frequency is mandatory.
Teaching Resources
- Fabrizio Cavani, Gabriele Centi, Martino Di Serio, Ilenia Rossetti, Antonella Salvini, Giorgio Strukul, Fondamenti di chimica industriale, 2022
- E. Stocchi, Chimica Industriale Inorganica, Vol. 1, Edisco ed
- K. Weissermel, H. I. Arpe, Industrial Organic Chemistry, 5a Ed. VHC, Weinheim, 2003
- Chemical Process Industries" by Shreve and Austin
- Industrial Chemistry: For Advanced Students" by Mark Anthony Benvenuto , 2015.
- Domenico C. M. Albanese, Conversion of Adipic Acid to Bis-2-ethylhexyl Adipate Overcoming Equilibrium Constraints: A Laboratory Experiment, J. Chem. Education 2023, 100, 1, 361-365 (Laboratory Experiment). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00951
Mark M. Green, Harold A. Wittcoff, Organic Chemistry Principles and Industrial Practice, 2006.
- E. Stocchi, Chimica Industriale Inorganica, Vol. 1, Edisco ed
- K. Weissermel, H. I. Arpe, Industrial Organic Chemistry, 5a Ed. VHC, Weinheim, 2003
- Chemical Process Industries" by Shreve and Austin
- Industrial Chemistry: For Advanced Students" by Mark Anthony Benvenuto , 2015.
- Domenico C. M. Albanese, Conversion of Adipic Acid to Bis-2-ethylhexyl Adipate Overcoming Equilibrium Constraints: A Laboratory Experiment, J. Chem. Education 2023, 100, 1, 361-365 (Laboratory Experiment). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00951
Mark M. Green, Harold A. Wittcoff, Organic Chemistry Principles and Industrial Practice, 2006.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student's knowledge and understanding of the subjects presented in the course will be evaluated through one written multiple choice test with 15 items (inorganic part) and an oral exam (organic part). These exams aim not only to assess the comprehension of specific topics covered in class but also to evaluate the student's ability to integrate and articulate a global perspective of the entire program. Additionally, these assessments will focus on the student's proficiency in using the appropriate terminology relevant to industrial chemistry, ensuring a thorough grasp of both the technical details and the broader industry context.
An additional item for the assessment will be the discussion on a written report related to the experiments carried out in the laboratory that students need to deliver at the end of the laboratory section.
An additional item for the assessment will be the discussion on a written report related to the experiments carried out in the laboratory that students need to deliver at the end of the laboratory section.
CHIM/04 - INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 9
Laboratories: 48 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Albanese Domenico Carlo Maria, Bianchi Claudia Letizia Maddalena, Gazzotti Stefano, Ortenzi Marco Aldo
Shifts:
Corso B
Professor:
Ortenzi Marco AldoEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
free
my office
Reception:
Every day - better if by appointment
Building 5, "B" side, 3rd floor, room 3050