Chemistry Basics for Beginners
Chemistry Basics for Beginners
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biophysics.sbg.ac.at/home.htm
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Period: The horizontal row of the periodic table; the number of the period is equal to he principal quantum
number of the valence shell of the atoms; periods from 1 to 7.
P. Table: A chart in which the elements are arranged in order of atomic number and divided into groups
and periods in a manner that shows the relationships between the properties of the elements.
Group: The vertical column of the P.T.; the number of the group is equal to the number of electrons in the
valence shell of the atoms; e.g.: groups from I to VIII.
Groupings within the P.T.:
Actinid Series: Elements that have incompletely filled 5f subshells or readily give rise to cations that have
incompletely filled5f subshells.
Alkali Metal: The group 1A elements like Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Fr.
Alkali Earth Metal: A group of grayish-white , malleable metals easily oxidized in air, comprising Be,
Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Ra.
Halogen: The nonmetallic elements in Group 7A, F, Cl, Br, I, and At.
Lanthanide Series (are earth series): Elements that have incompletely filled 4f subshells or readily give
rise to cations that have incompletely filled 4f subshells.
Metalloid: An element with properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals; i.e.: it has the
physical appearance and properties of a metal but behaves chemically like a nonmetal; e.g.: arsenic,
polonium, etc.
Metal: 1) A substance that conducts electricity as well as heat, has a metallic luster, is malleable and
ductile, forms cations and has basic oxides. 2) A metal consists of cations held together by a sea of
electrons (have the tendency to form positive ions in ionic compounds); i.e.: iron, copper, uranium, etc.
Noble Gas: Nonmetallic elements in group 8A; He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, and Rn.
Transition Metal.: Elements that have incompletely filled d subshells or readily give rise to cations that
have incompletely filled d subshells; i.e.: it belongs to the central part of the periodic table, between
Groups II and III; a member of the d-block of the periodic table; i.e.: vanadium, iron, gold, etc.
ppm - Parts per Million: 1) The ratio of the mass of a solute to the mass of the solvent, multiplied by 106; 2) The
mass percentage composition multiplied by 104;
Phase: A particular state of matter; a homogeneous part of a system in contact with other parts of the system but
separated from them by a well defined boundary; a substance may exist in solid, liquid, and gas phases
and in certain cases, in more than one solid phase; e.g.: white and gray tin are two solid phases of tin; ice,
liquid, and vapor are three phases of water; etc.
P. Change: Transformation from one phase to another.
P. Diagram: A map divided into regions that tells us which phase is the most stable under corresponding
conditions of temperature and pressure. The lines separating the areas in the diagram are called phase
boundaries. The points on a phase boundary show the conditions under which two phases coexist in
dynamic equilibrium.
Distinct Points in a P.D.:
KP, Critical point: The liquid-vapor boundary terminates at this point; for water at 101,3[kPa] = 100[°C].
TP, Triple point: The pint where 3 phase boundaries meet; for water it occurs at 0,61[kPa] and 0,01[°C];
under these conditions all three phases (ice, water, vapor) coexist in dynamic equilibrium.
BP, Boiling point: The temperature at which a liquid boils when the atmospheric pressure is 1[atm] or
101,3[kPa].
FP, Freezing point: The temperature at which it freezes (melts) at 1[atm]; i.e.: liquid and solid state are in
dynamic equilibrium.
Significant Figures: The number of meaningful digits in a measured or calculated quantity.
STP - Standard Temperature and Pressure: 0[°C] = 273.15[K] and 1[atm] = 101.325[kPa].
Substance: A form of matter that has a definite or constant composition (the number and type of basic units
present) and distinct properties.
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SI - Base Units: (F. système international): Modern system of definitions and metric notation, now spreading
throughout the academic, industrial, and commercial community; these are: ampere, area, joule, kelvin,
kilogram, meter, mole, newton, rad, second, volume.
n Amount of Substance [mol]
The amount of substance that contains as many elementary entities (atoms, molecules, or other particles)
as there are atoms in exactly 12 grams of 12C isotope.
I Electric Current [ampere, = A]
the flow of 1 coulomb (1C = 6.25x1018 electrons) of charge/s.
F Force [kg⋅m/s2] [newton, = N]
the force that will give an object of 1 kg an acceleration of 1 m/s2 = [kg m/s2].
l Length [meter, = m]
the length of the path traveled by light in vacuum during a time of 1/299792458 of a second. Area: [m2].
Volume: [m3] Quantity of space an object occupies.
L Light Intensity [N⋅m/(s⋅sr)] = [J/(s⋅sr)] = [W/sr] = [candela, Cd]
light intensity of a monochromatic radiation with a frequency of 540x1012 oscillations /s [Hz] with a
power in the direction equal to 1/683 [Js or W/sterarian].
m,M Mass [kilogram, = kg]
one kilogram is the amount of mass in 1 liter of water at 4°C.
rad Radian: The radian is the 2D plane angle between two radii of a circle which cut off on the circumference
an arc equal in length to the radius: 1 rad = 57.3°; π rad = 180°;
sr - steradian: Is the solid 3D angle which, having its vertex in the center of a sphere, cuts off an area equal
to that of a flat square with sides of length equal to the radius of the sphere.
T Thermodynamic Temperature [kelvin, = K]
defined to be 1/273.15 the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water; ice melts therefore at
273.15 K and water boils at 373,15 K (both at atmospheric pressure).
t Time: Second [s]; the time taken by a 133Cs-atom to make 9 192 631 770 vibrations.
W Work [N⋅m] [joule, = J]
the specific heat of work at 15°C is given as 4185.5 J/kg⋅C done by a force of 1 newton acting over a
distance of 1 meter.
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SI-Derived Units:
α dissociation constant of acid / base [-]
β mass concentration (solute over solvent) [g/l]
ρ density [kg/m3] [g/l]
η coefficient of efficiency [-]
λ wavelength [m]
π circle’s constant = 3.14159 [-]
π osmotic pressure [Pa]
τ level of titration [-]
µ dipole moment [C⋅m] [D]
ℜ,R gas constant = 8.314 510 [J/(mol⋅K)]
A area, cross-sectional area [m2]
b molality (solute over solvent) [mol/g]
c speed of light 2.99792458⋅108 ≈ 3⋅108 [m/s]
c specific heat capacity [N⋅m/(kg⋅K)] [J/(kg⋅K)]
c molar concentration [mol/l]
d distance [m]
D debye = 3.336⋅10-30 [C⋅m]
e charge of an electron = 1.602 177 3349⋅10-19 [C]
E energy [kg⋅m2/s2] = [N⋅m] = [Pa⋅m3] [joule, J] 1eV = 1.6022⋅10-19 [J]
F Faraday’s constant = 96485 [C/mole] 1[cal] = 4.178⋅103 [J]
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h plank’s constant = 6.626 075 540⋅10 [J⋅s]
H ∆H enthalpy [J/mol]
k Henry’s law variable [mol/(l⋅Pa)]
k kinetic rate law [l/(mol⋅s)] or [1/s] or [mol/(l⋅s)] varies, depending upon the rate order.
kB Boltzman’s constant = 1,380 658 12⋅10-23 [J/K]
kF Coulomb’s force constant = 8.987 551 79⋅109 [N⋅m2/C2] ≈ 9x109 = 1/(4⋅π⋅ε0)
KA,B dissociation constant of acids and bases [mol/l]*
KC equilibrium constant for molar concentrations [mol/l]*
Kf complex formation constant [mol/l]*
KP equilibrium constant for partial pressures [Pa/l]*
Ksp solubility product [mol/l]*
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Kw water auto-dissociation constant = 1⋅10 [mol2/l2]
l length [m]
me mass of an electron = 9.109 389 754⋅10-31 [kg]
mp mass of a proton = 1.672 623 110⋅10-27 [kg]
mn mass of a neutron = 1.674 928 610⋅10-27 [kg]
M, Mr molecular mass [g/mol], [amu]
n molar amount [mol]
NA Avogadro’s constant = 6,022 136 736⋅1023 [1/mol]
p impulse [kg⋅m/s]
p pressure [N/m2] 1 bar = 105 [Pa] [pascal, Pa] 1atm = 1.01325[bar] = 101.325[kPa]
q electric charge of an electron (see e) [A⋅s] [coulomb, C]
Q heat capacity [J]
QC reaction quotient [mol/l]*
r radius [m]
s specific heat capacity [J/(kg⋅K)]
S entropy [kg⋅m/(s2⋅K)] = [N⋅m/K] [J/K]
U internal heat [J]
v velocity [m/s]
v(Ax) kinetic reaction rate [mol/(l⋅s)]
V electric potential [J/C] [volt, V]
V volume [m3]
w percent by mass [%]
x molar fraction [-]
SI-Prefixes: 1018 exa- E; 1015 peta- P; 1012 tera- T; 109 giga- G; 106 mega- M; 103 kilo- k; 10 deka- d;
10-3 milli- m; 10-6 micro- µ; 10-9 nano- n; 10-12 pico- p; 10-15 femto- f; 10-18 atto- a;
*) varies, depending upon stoichiometric coefficient of products and reactants; e.g.: [l/mol], [mol2/l2], etc.
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Group
Pieriod
I II III IV V VI VII VII
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1 H He
2 Li Be B C N O F Ne
3 Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar
4 K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr
5 Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I Xe
6 Cs Ba La *) Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg Ti Pb Bi Po At Rn
7 Fr Ra Ac **)
Block s d f d p
*) Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu
**) Th Pa U Np Pu Am Cm Bk Cf Es Fm Md No Lr
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Hund’s Rule: The most stable arrangement of electrons in subshells is the one with greatest number of parallel
spins; e.g.: C with 6 electrons, where the 2p2 of the 1s2 2s2 are parallel - compare chemistry molecule -
hybridization.
Inert Pair Effect: The two relatively stable and unreactive outer s electrons.
Ion: An atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons, and thus becomes positively or
negatively charged; i.e.: Al3+ (mono-atomic ion), SO4- (poly-atomic ion); see also chemistry-molecule &
thermochem.
Anion: An ion with a net negative charge; characteristic of non-metallic elements, e.g.: F-, SO4-, etc.
Cation: An ion with a net positive charge; characteristic of metallic elements, e.g.: Na+, NH4+, Al3+, etc.
Ionic Radius: The radius of a cation or an anion as measured in an ionic compound (see table below); it
decreases from left to right across the a period and increases down a group of the periodic table; in the
same period, anions generally have larger radii than cations.
Ionization: Conversion to cations by the removal of electrons; see chemistry-thermochemistry ∆H.
e.g.: K(g) → K+(g) + e-(g)
Isoelectronic Species: Species with the same number of atoms and the same number of valence electrons;
e.g.: SO2 and O3; Cl- and Ar; Na+ and Ne, NO3- and CO32- (Ar, Ne are noble gases).
Isotope: One of several possible forms of a chemical element that differ from others in the number of neutrons in
the atomic nucleus, but not in chemical properties e.g.: 21Na, 22Na, 23Na.
I. Dating: The determination of the ages of objects by measuring the activity of the radioactive isotopes
they contain; particularly, radiocarbon dating by using 14C.
Magnetism: A materials ability to store magnetic energy after being magnetized describes 3 distinct classes:
Diamag.: Repelled by a magnet; a diamagnetic substance contains only paired electrons, resulting in a
magnetic flux which is lower inside than outside (µr<1, slightly repelling when exposed to a magnetic
field; temperature independent) - H2, Cu, Hg....
Ferromag.: Strongly attracted by a magnet; the unpaired spins in a ferromagnetic substance are aligned in
a common direction; the magnetic flux inside is extremely high compared to outside; (µr>>1, the higher
the temperature the less ferromagnetic will be the substance) - Fe, Ni. Co...
Paramagnet.: Attracted by a magnet. A paramagnetic substance contains one or more unpaired electrons;
resulting in a magnetic flux which is higher inside than outside (µr≥1, slightly attracting, the lower the
temperature the more ferromagnetic the substance will become) - O2, Cr, Pt....
Notation of Elements: Elements of the periodic table are assigned with a mass- and atomic number to quantify
its number of protons (Z) and number of protons and neutrons (A).
Orbital: The idealized representation of electron moving around its nucleus.
Atomic O.: The wave function (ψ) of an electron in an atom (see quantum number).
Degenerate O.: Orbitals that have the same energy.
Electron Configuration: The occupancy of orbitals in an atom or molecule; i.e.: N 1s2 2s2 2p3,
N2 σ2 σ*2 π4 σ2 (valence electrons only); see chemistry molecule.
Partial Charge: A charge arising from small shifts in the distribution of electrons.
Pauli Exclusion Principle: No two electrons in an atom can have the same four quantum numbers.
Photon: A particle of light (see physics-optics); The energy contained in a photon can be put as follows:
E = h⋅f = h⋅c/λ [J]
Quantum: The smallest quantity of energy that can be emitted, h, Planck c. 6.63⋅10-34 [J⋅s]
or absorbed in the form of electromagnetic radiation c, speed of light 3⋅108 [m/s]
(see physics-optics). λ, wavelength [m]
c = λ⋅f [m/s] f, frequency [1/s] [Hz]
Quantum Number: The quantum numbers of quantum mechanics which describe the distribution of
electrons, labels the state of the electron and specifies the value of a property in atoms.
Paired Electrons: Two electrons with opposed spins (↑↓).
Parallel Electrons: Electrons with spins in the same direction (↑↑).
1. n - Principal QN.(shell number): The average distance of the electron from the nucleus in a particular
orbital; can have integral values of 1, 2, 3, and so forth (higher values ≈ greater average distance) e.g.:
1 = 1st period, 7 = 7th period;
2. l - Angular Momentum QN.(shubshell of one shell): Its value reflects the orbital shape; it correlates
with n; (l = n-1); which reveals 0 for the s-, 1 for p-, 2 for d- 3 for f-, 4 for g- 5 for the h-orbital.
3. ml - Magnetic QN.: Describes the orientation of the orbital in space; depends upon the value of l; (ml
= 2⋅l+1), e.g.: ml = 1 a sphere; ml = 3 gives -1/0/+1 (x,y,z-orientation); ml = 5 gives -2/-1/0/1/2 etc.
4. ms - Electron Spin QN.: According to the electromagnetic theory, spinning electrons posses a
magnetic orientation; (ms = n) ms can either be -1/2 (↓)or +1/2(↑); with ms =3 giving 3 magnetic spins: -
1
/2 / +1/2 / -1/2.
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∆ψ - Schrödinger Wave Equation: The fundamental equation of quantum mechanics; it interprets the wave
nature of material particles in terms of probability wave amplitudes.
It specifies the possible energy state the electron can occupy ∆ψ, LaPlace operator [-1/m]
and identifies the corresponding wave function (ψ). ψ, wave function [m]
These energy states and wave functions are characterized ψ2, probability of density [-]
by the quantum numbers; The concept of electron density PE, potential energy [J]
gives the probability that an electron will be found in a E, total energy [J]
particular region of an atom: m, mass [kg]
∆ψ+(8⋅π2⋅m/h2)⋅(E-PE)⋅ψ = 0 h, Planck c. = 6.63⋅10-34 [J⋅s]
Series: A family of spectral lines arising from transitions that π, circle’s constant = 3.142 [-]
have one state in common (see spectrum):
Bracket S.: Energy spectrum located in the infrared (ni = 4)
Paschen S.: Energy spectrum located in the infrared (ni = 3)
Balmer S.: A family of spectral lines (some of which lie in the visible region, others in the UV band), in
the spectrum of atomic hydrogen; (ni = 2)
Lyman S.: Energy spectrum located entirely in the UV (ni = 1)
Shell: All the orbitals of a given principal quantum number >n<; i.e.: the single 2s and three 2p orbitals of the
shell with n = 2;
S.-Nomenclature: s - sharp; p - principal; d - diffuse; f - fundamental
Subshell: All the atomic orbitals of a given shell of an atom with the same value of the quantum number
>l<; i.e.: the five 3d orbitals of an atom.
Spectroscope: An optical device that separates light into its constituent frequencies in form of spectral lines.
Spectrum: 1) The frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by substances
2) The splitting of white light into its distinct components.
Emission S. of Hydrogen: A line spectrum of radiation emitted R, Rydberg constant 2.18⋅10-18 [J]
by the excited hydrogen electron. (integers of ni > nf) - see series ni, initial principal QN
∆E = R⋅h⋅c(1/ni2 - 1/ nf2) [J] nf, final principal QN
S. Line: Radiation of a single wavelength emitted or absorbed h, Planck’s c. = 6.63⋅10-34 [J⋅s]
by an atom or molecule. c, speed of light = 3⋅108 [m/s]
Line Spectra: Spectra produced when radiation is absorbed or
emitted by substances only at some wavelengths.
Spin: The intrinsic angular momentum of an electron; the spin cannot be eliminated and may occur in only two
senses, denoted as ↑ and ↓ - see quantum number.
Atomic and ionic radii of common elements before and after ionization [pm]:
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The order in which atomic orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle:
e 1s → →
2s → → 2p
He 3s → → 3p
Ne 4s 3d → → 3d 4p
Ar 5s 4d → → d4 5p
Kr 6s 5d 4f 5d 6p
Xe 7s 6d 5f 6d
Rn 2 s-b g. 1 14 f-block grp. (1+) 9 d-block groups 6 p-block groups
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Dipole: A molecule with a separate regions or net negative and net positive charge, so that one end acts as a
positive pole and the other as a negative pole.
D. Moment: The electrostatic force required to align a dipolar molecule parallel to the electrostatic field;
the force required increases as the separation of the molecular charges decreases; The product of charge
and the distance between the charges in a molecule: q, charge [C]
µ = q⋅d [C⋅m] = [D]; 1Debey = 3.336⋅10-30 [C⋅m] d, distance [m]
The overall DM is obtained by adding the individual vector-amounts of the involved atoms.
D. Forces: Forces that act between polar molecules; see force.
Electric D.: A positive charge next to an equal but opposite negative charge.
Induced D.: The separation of positive and negative charges in a neutral atom (or non-polar molecule)
caused by the proximity of an ion or polar molecule.
Electronegativity: The measure of the ability of an atom to attract electron to itself when it is part of a
compound; it is formed by the arithmetic sum of the actual bonding energy (A-B) and the hypothetical
unpolar bond between A-B; the difference reveals the polar character of a bond; it increases from left to
right across the period of the periodic table and decreases down a group; see table below.
Esters: Compounds that have the general formula R’COOR; R’ can be H or an alkyl group or an aryl group.
Ether: An organic compound containing the R-O-R’ linkage, where R and R’ are alkyl and/or aryl groups.
F - Force: An influence that changes the state of motion of an object; i.e.: electrostatic force from an electric
charge; a mechanical force from an impact, etc.; m, mass [kg]
FL = m⋅a [kg⋅m/s2] = [N] a, acceleration [m/s2]
Intermolecular F. (Van der Waals): The close-ranging, relatively
weak attraction exhibited between atoms and molecules. Attractive forces between molecules that hold
atoms together; the boiling point of an element or compound reflects the strength of the bonds involved:
• Dipole-Dipole F.: Forces acting between polar molecules; alike charges repel, opposite attract.
Hydrogen Bond.: A special, weak chemical bond (dipole-dipole interaction) between a hydrogen atom
bonded to an atom of high electronegative elements (F, N, or O) and another atom of one of the three
electronegative elements, accounting for the high boiling point of water HF, and NH3.
• Ion-Dipole F.: The force of attraction between an ion and the opposite partial charge of the electric
dipole of a polar molecule; e.g.: HCl, NaCl, AgCl, ect.
• London F. (Dispersion): The force of attraction that arises from the interaction b/w electric dipoles on
neighboring polar / nonpolar molecules; it increases w/ the size of the molecule (molecular mass); e.g.:
hydrocarbon with <4 central C-atoms, gaseous; >5-17<, liquid, >18 waxy solid.
Hybridization: The process of mixing the atomic orbitals in an atom (usually the central atom) to generate a set
of new atomic orbitals - hybrid orbitals in a molecule (see orbital);
Hydrates: Compounds that have a specific number of water molecules attached to them; e.g.: CuSO4⋅5H2O;
Hydride: A binary compound of a metal or metalloid with hydrogen; the term is often extended to include all
binary compounds of hydrogen.
Bonds w/ C,N,O: Generally those compounds wher a hydrogen atom is bonded to; hydrocarbons (C),
ammonia (N), phoshine (P), water (O), hydrogen sulfide (S), hydrogen fluoride (F), etc.
Complex H.: Elements of the 3rd group linked to hydrogen in a tetrahedral bond; e.g.: NaBH4, LiAlH4.
Covalent H.: Hydrogen bonds are bonded covalently with metallic elements of group 3 as well with Be,
and Mg; e.g.: BeH2, GaH3.
Metallic H.: A compound of certain d-block metals and hydrogen; in which H fills the gap in-between the
metallic atoms; e.g.: TiHx (x<2).
Molecular H.: A compound of hydrogen and a nonmetal; e.g.: CH4 (methane), SiH4 (silane).
Saline H.: A compound of hydrogen and a strongly electropositive metal; e.g.: Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+, Fr+, Ca+,
Sr+, Ba+ in which hydrogen is present as H-.
Hydrocarbons: (Gk. hydro, water; L. carbo, charcoal) Organic compound consisting of H and C atoms only.
Aliphatic HC: Hydrocarbons that do not contain the benzene group or the benzene ring.
Aromatic HC: A hydrocarbon that contains one or more benzene rings.
Unsaturated HC: Hydrocarbons that contain carbon-carbon double bonds or carbon-carbon triple bonds.
Ion: An atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons, and thus becomes positively or
negatively charged; i.e.: Al3+ (mono-atomic ion), SO4- (poly-atomic ion); see also chemistry-atom.
Anion: An ion with a net negative charge, i.e.: F-, SO4-, etc; see table below.
Cation: An ion with a net positive charge, i.e.: Na+, NH4+, Al3+, etc; see table below.
Ionic Compound: Any neutral compound containing cations and anions.
Ion Pair: A species made up of at least 1 cation and at least 1 anion held together by electrostatic forces.
Polarized I.: The distorted electron cloud of an ion (or atom); see also chemistry atom; e.g.: Anion
(>cloud; >charge): I- (r = 220pm) easier distortable than F- (r = 133pm); S2- easier polarizable than Cl-.
Cation (<cloud; <charge): Li2+ more covalent than Cs+; Be2+ more covalent then cations of 4th period.
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Lewis:
L. Formula: (for ionic compounds) A representation of the structure of an ionic compound, showing the
formula unit of ions in terms of their Lewis diagram.
L. Diagram: (for atoms and ions) The chemical symbol of an element, with a dot for each valence
electron.
L. Dot Symbol: The symbol of an element with one or more dots that represent the number of valence
electrons in an atom of the element.
L. Resonance: A blending of Lewis structures into a single composite, hybrid structure; see resonance;
e.g.: O-S=O ↔ O=S-O
L. Structure: A representation of covalent bonding using Lewis dot symbols. Shared electron pairs are
shown either as lines or as pairs of dots between two atoms, and lone pairs are shown as pairs of dots on
individual atoms.
Ligand: A molecule or an ion that id bonded to the metal ion in a complex ion.
Lone Pairs: Valence electrons that are not involved in covalent bond formation. LP-electrons occupy more space
and experience a greater repulsion from neighboring lone pairs than bonding pairs; see valence - VSEPR.
Mesomerism: see resonance.
Molecule: 1) Smallest possible unit of a compound, that possesses the chemical properties of the compound. 2)
A definite and distinct, electrically neutral group of bonded atoms; i.e.: H2, NH3, CH3COOH, etc.
M. Equation: Equations in which the formulas of the compounds are written as though all species existed
as molecules or whole units; e.g.: C6H12O6, C2H3CO2H, ect.
M. Orbital: see orbital.
M. Weight: The relative weight of a molecule when the weight of the most frequent kind of carbon atom
(its isomers) is taken as 12; the sum of the relative weights of the atoms in a molecule;
e.g.: MH2O = 2⋅H + O = 18.016 [g/mol]
Diatomic M.: A molecule that consists of two atoms; i.e.: H2, CO, etc.
Homonuclear Diatomic M.: Diatomic molecules containing atoms of the same element; e.g.: O2, H2, N2,
etc.
Polar M.: A molecule that possess a dipole moment; see there.
Octet Rule: An atom other than hydrogen and helium that tends to form bonds until it is surrounded by eight
valence electrons by sharing or transferring them - see also chemistry - stoichiometry.
BX = ½⋅(ΣVe + ΣV8) B, number of bonds
e.g.: N2 (2N) has the equivalent of 10e-, 16e- are possible to Ve, number of valence electrons
obtain noble gas configuration:16-10 = 6 ≅ 3 covalent bonds V8, number of octet-electrons
(:N≡N:); elements from the 2nd period can’t form more than 4 covalent bonds.
Exception to OR.: 1) Rule valid for covalent bonds only; 2) there are irregularities from the 3rd period of
the periodic table onwards, since d-orbitals provide extra electron, seemingly interfering with the octet
rule.
Orbital: The idealized representation of electron moving around its nucleus.
Hybrid O.: Atomic orbitals obtained when two or more nonequivalent orbitals of the same atom combine;
a mixed orbital is obtained by blending together atomic orbitals on the same atom;
e.g.: sp3 hybrid orbital of carbon in CH4: to make 4 covalent bonds for H possible the outer bonding shell
in the C atom has to be altered in the following way:
C = 2s22p2 = 2s(↑↓) + 2p(↑_, ↑_, _ _) → 2sp3 (↑_, ↑_, ↑_, ↑_) with H having only a 1s orbiting electron it
connects via a σ-bond to the hybridized C-atom to give rise to a tetrahedrally shaped molecule.
Molecular O.: An orbital that results from interaction of the atomic orbitals of the covalently bonding
atoms; it spreads over all the atoms in a molecule. The formation of a bonding molecular orbital caused by
the orientation of electron spin within the orbital; e.g.: H-H atom: 1sσ* = antibonding (repelling, opposite
spin); 1sσ = bonding (attraction, same spin);
i) every molecular orbital can accept two electrons;
i) bonding molecular orbitals are energetically far more stable than antibonding MO’s;
e.g.: E1sσ < E1sσ*; or E2sσ < E2sσ* < E2pxσ < E2pyπ; E2pzπ < E2pyπ*; E2pyπ* < E2pxσ*
i) orbitals are filled with electrons after the Aufbau principle, see atom;
i) the overall number of molecular orbitals consists of the sum of participating atomic orbitals.
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Delocalized Molecular O.: Molecular orbitals that are not confined between two adjacent bonding atoms
but actually extend over three or more atoms, or even spread over the entire molecule; e.g.: π-bonding.
• Antibonding MO.: A molecular orbital that is of higher energy and lower stability than the atomic
orbital from which it was formed; energy has to be expended to build this molecule; probability of
finding an electron within the boundary surface of the two atomic orbitals is low - cancellation in the
internuclear region due to opposite spin -1/2 (↓) & +1/2(↑);
• Bonding MO.: A molecular orbital that is of lower energy and greater stability than the atomic orbitals
from which it was formed (energy will be released), hence more stable; (probability of finding an
electron within the boundary surface of the two atomic orbitals is high - addition in the internuclear
region occurs due to same spin -1/2 (↓) & -1/2 (↓) or +1/2(↑) & +1/2(↑).
Covalent Bond.: A bond in which two electrons are shared by two atoms; see bond π-, σ - bond.
Bond Order: The difference between the numbers of electrons in bonding molecular orbitals and
antibonding molecular orbitals, divided by two;
e.g.: H2 = ½⋅(2-0) = 1; bonding dominate over antibonding electrons, therefore H2 is a valid molecule.
e.g.: He2 = ½(2-2) = 0; bonding and antibonding electrons cancel each other, He2 is inexistant molecule.
Resonance (mesomerism): The use of two or more Lewis structures to represent a particular molecule (deducted
from its formal charge - see there).
R. Structure: One of two or more alternative Lewis structures for a single molecule that cannot be
described fully with a single Lewis structure; see also Lewis resonance.
Stereoisomerism: The occurrence of two or more compounds with the same types and numbers of atoms and the
same chemical bonds but different spatial arrangements; e.g. isomers like glucose and fructose = C6H12O6
Valence: The number of bonds that an atom can form.
V. Band: The full band of orbitals in a solid.
V. Bond Theory: The description of bond formation in terms of the pairing of spins in the atomic orbitals
of neighboring atoms.
V. Electron: The outer e of an atom, involved in chemical bonding; i.e.: n = 2 shell of period 2 atoms.
V. Shell: The outermost electron-occupied shell of an atom, usually needed in bonding.
V. Shell-Electron-Pair Repulsion Model (VSEPR): A theory for predicting the shapes of molecules,
using the fact that electron pairs repel one another.
• electron pairs repel another, hence orient themselves in a manner with the least obstruction;
Lone pair versus lone pair repulsion > LP versus bonding pair repulsion > BP versus BP repulsion
• the molecular shape is determined by the position of the central atoms only
CO2 or C2H2: 2 pointed → linear;
BF3 or SO3 or CO3- 3 pointed → trigonal-planar,
CH4 or BF3 or H3PO3: 4 pointed → tetrahedral;
PF5 or SO3: 5 pointed → trigonal-bipyramidal;
SF6 or SeF6: 6 pointed → octahedral;
IF7: 7 pointed → pentagonal-bipyramidal;
V. Shell Expansion: The use of d orbitals in addition to s and p orbitals to form a covalent bond.
Molecule Dipole Moment Attracting force [kJ/mol] Melting point Boiling point
[C⋅m] = [D] Dipol-dipol F. London [K] [K]
F.
CO 0.4 0.0004 8.74 74 82
HI 1.3 0.025 27.9 222 238
HBr 2.6 0.69 21.9 185 206
HCl 3.4 3.31 16.8 158 188
NH3 5.0 13.3 14.7 195* 240*
H2O 6.1 36.4 9.0 273* 373*
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(*) per (L. allover) the elements max. ability to combine with O; i.e.: highest O-content
H 2.2 He -
Li 1.0 Be 1.6 B 2.0 C 2.6 N 3.0 O 3.4 F 4.0 Ne -
Na 0.9 Mg 1.3 Al 1.6 Si 1.9 P 2.2 S 2.6 Cl 3.2 Ar -
K 0.8 Ca 1.0 Ga 1.8 Ge 2.0 As 2.2 Se 2.6 Br 3.0 Kr -
Rb 0.8 Sr 0.9 In 1.8 Sn 2.0 Sb 2.1 Te 2.1 I 2.7 Xe -
Cs 0.8 Ba 0.9 Ti 2.0 Pb 2.3 Bi 2.0 Po 2.0 At 2.2 Rn -
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Equation: An expression showing the chemical formulas of the reactants and products (both in symbols).
Ionic EQ.: An equation that shows dissolved ionic compounds in terms of their free ions;
i.e.: Ag+(aq) + NO3-(aq) + Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq) → AgCl(s) + Na+(aq) + NO3-(aq)
Net Ionic EQ.: The equation showing the net change, obtained by canceling the spectator ions in an ionic
equation; i.e.: Ag+(aq) + Cl- (aq) → AgCl (s)
Writing ionic and net ionic EQ: 1) Write a balanced molecular EQ for the reaction; 2) Rewrite the
equation to indicate which substance are in ionic form in solution (all electrolyte in solution dissociate into
anions and cations; group-I elements); 3) Identify and cancel spectator ions (appear on both sides of the
EQ) to arrive at the net ionic EQ;
Balanced EQ.: A chemical equation in which the same number of atoms of each element appear on both
sides of the equation; i.e.: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
Skeletal EQ.: An unbalanced equation that summarizes the qualitative information about the reaction;
i.e.: H2 + O2, → H2O,
Product: A substance formed in a chemical equation.
Reactant: A starting material in a chemical reaction; a reagent taking part in a specified reaction.
Symbol: One- or two-letter abbreviation of an element’s name.
Equilibrium: A state in which there are no observable changes as times goes by.
KC - E. Constant: A number equal to the ratio of the equilibrium concentration of gaseous products to the
equilibrium concentrations of gaseous reactants, each raised to the power of its stoichiometric coefficient
(ignored when in their solid or liquid state); by convention, numerator stands for products, and
denominator stands for reactants; KC is temperature dependent;
any solid that precipitate or compound that liquefies, is left out. kF, pF, kR, pR, rate c. of forward /
e.g.: aA +bB ↔ cC +dD reverse reactions [mol/(l⋅s)]
KC = k F/k R = cc(C)⋅cd(D) / (ca(A)⋅cb(B)) [var] KC > 103: favors products strongly
KP = pF/pR = pc(C)⋅pd(D) / (pa(A)⋅pb(B)) [var] KC > 10-3-103: reactants & products at equilibrium.
∆n
where KP = KC⋅(R⋅T) KC < 10-3: favors reactants strongly
∆n, moles of gaseous products - moles of gaseous reactants KC, EC for concentrations
QC - Reaction Quotient: The ratio of the product of the KP, EC for partial pressures
concentrations of the products to that of the reactants (defined c, molar concentration [mol/l]
like the equilibrium constant) at an arbitrary stage of reaction; p, partial pressure [N/m2]
e.g.: N2(g) + 3H2(g) → 2NH3(g) ∆n = (c+d) - (a+b) [mol]
QC < KC: reverse-reaction towards products (shift to right) KC = c2(NH3)/(c(N2)⋅c3(H2))
QC = KC: system in equilibrium QC = c02(NH3)/(c0(N2)⋅c03(H2))
QC > KC: forward-reaction towards reactants (shift to left) c0(X), initial arbitrary c. [mol/l]
E. Vapor Pressure: The vapor pressure measured under
dynamic equilibrium of condensation and evaporation; see chemistry liquid and physics - heat.
Dynamic E.: The condition in which a foreword process and its reverse are occurring simultaneously at
equal rates; e.g.: vaporizing and condensing; chemical reactions at equilibrium, etc.; e.g.:
H2(g) + I2(g) ↔ 2HI(g); vF, vR, rate of forward/reverse
vF = k F⋅c(H2)⋅c(I2); vR = k R⋅c2(HI); k F, k R, rate constants [1/s]
vF = vR in equilibrium: c2(HI)/(c(H2)⋅c(I2)) = k F/k R = K c(x), molar concentration [mol/l]
Heterogeneous E.: An equilibrium state in which the reacting species are not all in the same phase.
e.g.: CaCO3(s) ↔ CaO(s) + CO2(g) KC = c(CaO)⋅c(CO2) / c(Ca2CO3)
solid substance has to be converted from density [g/cm3] to molar concentration [mol/l].
Homogeneous E.: An equilibrium state in which all reacting species are in the same phase.
e.g.: N2O4(g) ↔ 2NO2(g) KP = p2(NO2) / p(N2O4)
Multiple E.: If a reaction can be expressed as the sum of two or more reactions, the equilibrium constant for
the overall reaction is given by the product of the equilibrium constants of the individual reactions: e.g.:
H2CO3(aq) ↔ H+(aq) + HCO3-(aq) K1 = c(H+)⋅c(HCO3-) / c(H2CO3)
HCO3 (aq) ↔ H (aq) + CO3 (aq)
- + 2-
K2 = c(H+)⋅c(CO32-) / c(HCO3-)
H2CO3(aq) ↔ 2H (aq) + CO3 (aq)
+ 2-
KC = K1⋅K2 KC = c2(H+)⋅cCO32-) / c(H2CO3)
Law of Mass Action: For an equilibrium of the form aA + bB ↔ cC + dD, the reaction quotient
QC = cc(C)⋅ cd(D) / ca(A)⋅ cb(B); evaluated by using the equilibrium molar concentrations of the reactants and
products, is equal to a constant KC which has a specific value for a given reaction and temperature.
Van’t Hoff Equation: It shows how the equilibrium constant KC
varies with temperature. T, temperature [K]
ln(KC2/ KC1) = -(1/ T2 - 1/ T1)⋅∆H°/R KC, equilibrium constant [var]
Functional Group: That part of a molecule characterized by a special R, gas constant 8.314 [kJ/mol]
arrangement of atoms that is largely responsible for the chemical ∆H°; std enthalpy of react.
[kJ/mol]
behavior of the parent molecule.
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Formula (Chemical F.): A collection of chemical symbols and subscripts showing the composition of a
substance.
Empirical .F.: A chemical formula that shows the relative numbers of atoms of each element in a
compound, i.e.: CH for acetylene (C2H2)or benzene (C6H6), etc.
Molecular F.: A combination of chemical symbols and subscripts showing the actual numbers of atoms of
each element present in a molecule; i.e.: H2O, SF6, C6H12O6; etc.
Structural F.: A chemical formula that shows the groupings of atoms in a compound.
Lewis Dot Symbol: The symbol of an element with one or more dots that represent the number of valence
electrons in an atom of the element.
Lewis Structure: A diagram showing how electron pairs are shared between atoms in a molecule;
e.g.: H-Cl::: or ::O=C=O::
Haber Bosch Process: The catalyzed synthesis (Pt) of ammonia at high pressure and high temperature:
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ↔ 2NH3
Half Life: see kinetics.
Hydrogenation: The addition of hydrogen, especially to compounds with double and triple-carbon bonds.
Ion: (Gk, to go) An atom or molecule that has lost or gained one or more electrons, and thus becomes positively
or negatively charged; i.e.: Al3+ (mono-atomic ion), SO4- (poly-atomic ion); see chemistry atom &
molecule.
Complex I.: An anion containing a central metal cation bonded to one or more molecules or ions; e.g.:
Ag(NH3)2+, CdCl42-, Cu(NH3)42+, Cu(OH2)42+, Fe(CN)63-, Fe(CN)64+, Zn(OH)42-;
Spectator I.: Ions that are present in the reaction but remain unchanged (compare net ionic w/ ionic eq.)
Kinetics: The speed, or rate, at which a chemical reaction occurs. Ea, activation energy [J/mol]
Arrhenius Behavior: A reaction shows Arrhenius behavior k, rate constants [1/s]
if a plot of ln(k) against 1/T is a straight line. A, collision frequency [-]
e.g.: k = A⋅e-Ea/(R⋅T); ln(k) = ln(A)-(Ea/(R⋅T) e, eulers number 2.7183 [-]
for a given reaction at 2 different T’s: R, gas constant 8.314 [J/mol]
ln(k2/k1) = EA⋅(T2-T1)/(R⋅T1⋅T2) T, temperature [K]
K. Theory (kinetic molecular theory); A theory of properties of an ideal gas in which point-like molecules
are in continuous random motion and there are no interactions between them; see chemistry gas.
t1/2 - Half Life: The time required for the concentration of a reactant to decrease to half of its initial
concentration; see O, 1st, 2nd order reactions.
Kinetic Reactions:
k - KR. Constant: The constant of proportionality in a rate law; k is dependent upon the temperature and
can only be determined experimentally; e.g.: c(A) at t1 - c(A) at t2/(t2 - t1)
k = decrease of c(reactants)/t [l/(mol⋅s)] or [1/s] or [mol/(l⋅s)] depending upon the rate order.
Rate Law: An EQ expressing the instantaneous reaction rate in terms of the concentrations, at that instant,
of the substances taking part in the reaction; it can only be determined experimentally; it cannot be written
down from the stoichiometry of the chemical equation for the reaction;
e.g.: NO2(g) + CO(g) →NO(g) + CO2(g) k[NO2]2
KR. Order: The power to which the concentration of a single substance is raised in a rate law;
e.g.: k[SO2]⋅[SO3]-1/2, than the reaction is 1st order in SO2 and of order -½ in SO3 and +½ overall.
• Pseudo 1st Order KR.: A reaction with a rate law that is effectively first order because one substance
has a virtually constant concentration.
• 0 Order KR.: A reaction with a rate that is independent of the concentration of the reactant; i.e.: the
catalyzed decomposition of ammonia; plot of cA is linear over t:
e.g.: v(Ax) = -k [mol/(l⋅s)] c(A) = -k⋅t + c(A0) [mol/l] t1/2 = c(A0) / (2⋅k) [s]
• 1st Order KR.: A reaction whose rate depends on reactant concentration raised to the first power;
(directly proportional to the concentration); plot of ln(cA) is linear over t:
e.g.: v(Ax) = -k⋅c(Ax); [1/s]⋅[mol/l] c(A) = c(A0)⋅e-k⋅t [mol/l] t1/2 = ln(2) /k [s]
• 2 Order KR.: A reaction whose rate depends on reactant concentration raised to the second power or
nd
on the concentration of two different reactants, each raised to the first power (directly proportional to
the square of the concentration); plot of 1/cA is linear over t:
e.g.: v(Ax) = k⋅c2(Ax) [l/(mol⋅s)]⋅[mol2/l2] 1/c(A) = k⋅t + 1/c(A0) [mol/l] t1/2 = 1 / (k⋅c(A0)) [s]
v(Ax) - KR. Rate: The change in concentration of a substance divided by the time it takes for the change to
occur: an increase in product automatically implies a decrease in reactant and vice versa;
e.g.: v(Ax) = dc(Ax)/dt [mol/(l⋅s)] with v(Ax) positive = increase; v(Ax) negative = decrease.
KR. Sequence: A series of reactions in which products of one reaction take part as reactants in the next;
e.g.: 2C(s) + O2(g) → 2CO(g), followed by 2CO(g) + O2(g) → 2CO2(g)
• Mono-Molecular KRS.: A single molecule forms the product; v = k⋅c(A); e.g.: radioactive decay
• Di-Molecular KRS.: Involves two molecules; v = k⋅c(A)⋅c(X); with A and X 1st order, with the overall
reaction itself as 2nd order.
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Law of Definite Proportions: Different samples of the same compound always contain its constituent elements
in the same proportions by mass.
Law of Mass Action: see equilibrium.
Law of Multiple Proportions: If two elements can combine to form more than one compound, the masses of
one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in ratios of small whole numbers.
Le Chatelier’s Principle: If an external stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will adjust itself
in such a way as to partially offset the stress; i.e.: a reaction at equilibrium tends t o proceed in the
endothermic reaction when the temperature is raised.
• Change of concentration: When the concentration of any of the reactants or products at equilibrium are
changed, the position of the equilibrium shifts so as to reduce the change in concentration that was
made, with the net effect that KC remains unchanged.
• Change of pressure and volume: i) In gaseous substances with ∆n≠0 changes of pressure and volume
do influence the equilibrium; e.g.: The amount of product (NH3) at equilibrium increases with rising
pressure; N2 + 3H2 ↔ 2NH3 + heat since the formation of two molecules of NH3 causes the
disappearance of four molecules of reactants (N2 + 3H2), thus decreasing the total number of
molecules.
i) In reactions involving liquids, moderate pressure changes do not affect the equilibrium;
i) In reactions involving gaseous substance with ∆n=0, changes of pressure will not affect the equilibrium;
• Change of Temperature: In gaseous substances a temperature increase favors an endothermic reaction,
and a temperature decrease favors exothermic reactions:
T-increase (T2 < T1): exothermic reaction: ∆H° < 0; K2/K1<1 or K2<K1
endothermic reaction: ∆H° > 0; K2/K1>1 or K2>K1; equilibrium concentration of products
increases; position of equilibrium shifts to right; K increases;
T-decrease (T2 < T1): endothermic reaction: ∆H° > 0; K2/K1<1 or K2<K1;
exothermic reaction: ∆H° < 0; K2/K1>1 or K2>K1; equilibrium concentration of products decreases;
position of equilibrium shifts to left; K decreases;
Lewis: Lewis dot symbol and Lewis structure see formula.
Limiting Reagent: The reactant used up in a reaction - see yield.
Lysis: (Gk. lysis, loosening) A process of disintegration or destruction.
Glycolys.: Splitting of glucose molecules; (C6H12O6) into two molecules of pyruvate, resulting in the
release of energy (exothermic) in the form of two ATP molecules; does not require O2.
Hydrolys.: The splitting apart of two covalently bound subunits by the insertion of a molecule of water;
the OH-group being incorporated into one fragment and the H-atom in the other; reverse process of
synthesis occurs in digestion.
Protolys.: Dissociation of protons in an acid HA ↔ H+ + A-.
Mass: The quantity of matter in a object, or concentrated energy (see SI-units, weight).
M. Defect: The difference between the mass of an atom and the sum of the masses of its protons,
neutrons, and electrons; since part of the mass is needed to hold the atom together (potential energy).
A - Mass Number: The total number of neutrons and protons present in the nucleus of an atom; i.e.: 146C
has 14 nucleons (6 protons and 8 neutrons).
Atomic Mass Unit (amu): A mass exactly equal to one 12th of the mass of one carbon-12 atom (see
molecular mass): 1 amu = m12C / 12 = 1.6605⋅10-24 [g]
Average Atomic M.: see chemistry atom.
Law of Conservation of M.: Matter can be neither destroyed nor created.
Mass Units: The following equations are commonly used in dealing with masses in chemical equations:
β - Mass Concentration: The mass of solute per liter of solution: m(x), mass [g]
β(x) = m(x) / V(Sln) [g/l] V(Sln), volume of solution [l]
ρ - Density: The mass of a substance divided by its volume m(Sln), mass [g]
ρ(Sln) = m(Sln) / V(Sln) [g/l] V(Sln), volume of solution [l]
Mr - Molecular M.: The sum of the atomic masses (in amu) present in the molecule;
i.e.: Mr(H2O) = 2⋅1.008 (atomic mass of H) + 16.00 (atomic mass) of O = 18.02 [amu].
n - Molar Amount: The amount of an element per molar mass: m(x), mass [g]
n(x) = m(x) / M(x) [mol] M(x), molar mass [g/mol]
M - Molar Mass: The relative mass (g, or kg) per mole of atoms
(amu) , molecules, or other particles - see also atom-mass: mav, average mass [amu]
M(x) = mav⋅NA [g/mol] NA, Avogadro’s c.6.022⋅1023 [atoms/mol]
i.e.: M(H2O) = 2⋅1.008 [g/mol]of H + 16.00 [g/mol] of O = 18.02 [g/mol];
Molar Mass Fraction: Ratio of the number of moles of one
component of a mixture to the total number of moles of all components in the mixture; i.e.: the respective
mass of H and O in a given sample of water is obtained by:
mH = mH2O ⋅ 2⋅MH/MH2O [g]; mO = mH2O ⋅ MO / MH2O [g];
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Molar: The quantity per mole; i.e.: molar mass (the mass per mole), molar volume (the volume per mole), etc.
b - Molality: see chemistry-liquids.
c - Molar Concentration: see chemistry-liquid.
Molar Solubility: see chemistry-liquid.
c - Molarity: see chemistry-liquid.
Mole: (L, massive, heap) The SI base unit for the amount of substances that contains as many elementary entities
(atoms, molecules, or other particles) as there are atoms in exactly 12 grams of the carbon-12 isotope;
always equal to Avogadro’s number = 6.02205⋅1023.
M. Method: The approach of determining the amount of product formed in a reaction, based on the fact
that the stoichiometric coefficients in a chemical EQ can be interpreted as the number of moles of each
substance; the MM consists of the following steps:
1. Write correct formula for all reactants and products and balance the resulting EQ;
2. Convert the quantities of some or all given or known substances (usually reactants) into moles;
3. Use the coefficients in the balanced EQ to calculate the number of moles of the sought or unknown
quantities (usually products);
4. Using the calculated numbers of moles and the molar masses, convert the unknown quantities to
whatever units are required (usually grams);
5. Check that the answer is reasonable in physical terms
Octet Rule: An atom other than hydrogen and helium that tends to form bonds until it is surrounded by eight
valence electrons by sharing or transferring them - see chemistry solid.
Percent Composition: The percent by mass of each element in a compound.
Products & Reactant: see equation.
Radical: An atom, molecule, or ion with at least one unpaired electron; e.g.: NO, •:O:•, •CH3;
R. Reaction Mechanism: The pathway that is proposed for an overall reactions and accounts for the
experimental rate law; e.g.: H2 + Cl2 → 2HCl splits into 4 sub-reactions:
• Initiation: Cl2 →(blue light) → 2Cl• blue contains more energy than red light
• Chain R.: Cl• + H2 → 2HCl + H•; H• + Cl2 → HCl + Cl•...in a closed loop
• Back R.: H• + HCl → H2 + Cl•
• Termination: Cl• + Cl• → Cl2 + E; H• + H• → H2 H• + Cl• → HCl
once the light is switched off....
Reaction: A chemical change in which one substance responds to the presence of another, to a change of
temperature, or to some other influence; i.e.: the sequence of elementary steps that leads to product
formation.
QC - R. Quotient: see equilibrium.
Elementary R.: An individual reaction step in a reaction mechanism; e.g.: H• + Cl• → HCl.
Reversible R.: A reaction that can occur in both directions until dynamic equilibrium is reached, see
there;
e.g.: H2(g) + I2(g) ↔ 2HI(g)
Classification of R.: first 5 based on the composition of products and reactants.
1. Synthesis: Formation of compounds from simpler starting materials; e.g.: 2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l)
2. Decomposition: Formation of simpler substances from more complex starting materials;
e.g.: CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)
3. Replacement R.: Exchange of partners; e.g.: 2NaCl(aq) + Pb(NO3)2(aq) → 2NaNO3(aq) + PbCl2(s)
4. Combustion: Reaction with oxygen to form CO2, H2O, N2, and oxides of any other elements present;
e.g.: CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
5. Corrosion: Reaction of a metal with oxygen to form the metal oxide; e.g.: 4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) →
2Fe2O3(s)
Gasevolution: Formation of gas (driving force: escape of gas);
e.g.: CaCO3(s) + 2HCl → CaCl2(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
Precipitation: Formation of precipitate when one solution is added to another (driving force: formation of
insoluble precipitate); e.g.: 3CaCl2(aq) + 2Na3PO4(aq) → Ca3(PO4)2(s) + 6NaCl(aq)
Neutralization: Reaction between any acid and a base (driving force: formation of solvent)
e.g.: HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
RedOx: Transfer of electrons from one species to another (accompanied by atoms in many cases - driving
force: e-transfer to achieve greater stability); see chemistry redox-reaction;
e.g.: 2Mg0(s) + O20(g) → 2Mg+1O-1(s)
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Stoichiometry: The mass relationships among reactants and products in chemical reactions.
S. Amount: The exact molar amount of reactants and products that appear in a balanced chemical EQ.
S. Coefficient: The number of moles of each substance in a chemical equation;
i.e.: 1 and 2 in: H2 + Br2 → 2HBr
S. Point: The stage in a titration when exactly the right volume of solution needed to complete the
reaction has been added (see chemistry - acid and base).
S. Proportions: Reactants in the same proportions as their coefficients in the chemical equation; i.e.:
equal amounts of H2 and Br2 in the reaction mentioned above.
S. Relation: An expression that equates the relative amounts of reactants and products that participate in a
reaction; i.e.: 1 mol H2 = 2 mol HBr.
Reaction S.: The quantitative relation between the amounts of reactants consumed and products formed in
chemical reactions as expressed by the balanced chemical equation for the reaction.
Titration: The analysis of composition by measuring the volume of one solution (the titrant) needed to react with
a given volume of another solution (the anylate).
Anylate: The solution of unknown concentration in a titration.
Titrant: The solution of known concentration added from a buret in a titration.
Van’t Hoff Equation: see equilibrium.
Yield: The outcome of a chemical reaction, expressed in grams, mole, liters, etc.
Y. of Reaction (actual yield): The quantity of product obtained from the reaction.
Percentage Y.: The percentage of the theoretical yield of a product achieved in practice
Y% = 100⋅YA/YT [-]: YA, achieved yield [g]
Theoretical Y.: The amount of product predicted by the YT, theoretical yield [g]
balanced equation when all of the limiting reagent has reacted.
Limiting Reagent: The reactant that governs the theoretical yield of product in a given reaction.
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Distillation: The separation of a mixture by making use of the different volatilities of its components;
Fractional D.: A procedure for separating liquid components of a solution that is based on their different
boiling points; based on Dalton’s law of partial pressures;
see chemistry-gas: xA, mole fraction [-]
pA = xA⋅p [Pa] pT total pressure [Pa]
Vacuum D.: Boiling off humidity by lowering the temperature below freezing and subsequently
decreasing the pressure; e.g.: freeze-dried coffee.
Electrolyte: 1) An ionically conducting medium. 2) A substance that, when dissolved in water, results in a
solution that can conduct electricity; see table below.
E. Rule: For a net potential of zero, the positive and negative charges must add up to zero; a solution must
contain essentially as many anionic as cationic charges.
Non-E.: Is a solution in which no proportion of the solute molecules are ionized, hence does not conduct
electricity; e.g.: C6H12O6(aq); see table below
Strong E.: Is a solution in which a large proportion of the solute molecules are ionized (complete
dissociation into ions); 1mol K2SO4 → 3mol ions
e.g.: NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq) 1mol NaCl → 2mol ions
Weak E.: Is a solution in which only a small proportion of the solute molecules are ionized ionized (partly
dissociation into ions); e.g.: CH3COOH(aq); see table below
Equilibrium: The state of final balance of a multi-compound homogenous mixture;
for KC, QC, Dynamic E. etc., see chemistry-stoichiometry equilibrium.
Evaporation: The escape of molecules from the surface of a liquid; also called vaporization.
Freezing Point: The temperature at which a liquid freezes (crystallization); the normal freezing point is the
freezing temperature under a pressure of 1atm, i.e.: liquid and solid phase are in equilibrium.
FP Depression: see colligative properties.
Henry’s Law: The solubility of a gas in a liquid is proportional to the pressure of the gas above the solution;
solubility ∝ c; applicable only if: solution is low in concentration;
low pressures; solvent does not react with gas. k, Henry’s variable [mol/(l⋅Pa)]
c = k⋅p [mol/l] p, partial pressure [1/atm] [Pa]
Hydration: A process in which an ion or a molecule is surrounded by water molecules arranged in a specific
manner; e.g.: water - H2O molecules attach to a central ion (ion-dipole interaction).
Hydrated Anion: Hydrogen bonds form between the H of water and the central anion; e.g.: SO42-.
Hydrated Cation: Ion-dipole forces between the O of water and the central ion; e.g.: Be2+.
H. Crystals: Hydrated ions remain intact even in a solidified structure;
e.g.: [Fe(OH2)6]3+ Cl33- actual structure notation: Fe2Cl3⋅6H2O
or [Cu(OH2)4]2+ [SO4(H2O)]2- notation: CuSO4⋅5H2O
Enthalpy of H.: see chemistry - thermochemistry.
Hydrophillic: Water-liking.
Hydrophobic: Water-fearing.
Intermolecular Forces: see chemistry molecule.
Law of Mass Action: see chemistry stoichiometry - equilibrium
Ligand: see complex formation.
Liquid: A fluid form of matter that takes the shape of the part of a container it occupies and is almost
incompressible.
Melting Point: The temperature at which solid and liquid phases coexist in equilibrium.
Miscible: Two liquids that are completely soluble in each other in all proportions are said to be miscible.
Mixture: A combination of two or more substances in which the substances retain their identity.
Heterogeneous M.: The individual components of a mixture remain physically separated and can be seen
as separate components.
Homogeneous M.: The composition of the mixture, after sufficient stirring, is the same throughout the
solution.
Osmosis: see colligative properties.
Precipitation Reaction: see solution-properties.
Phase: see chemistry introduction.
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Raoult’s Law: The vapor pressure of an ideal solution of a nonvolatile solute is directly proportional to the mole
fraction of the solvent in the solution; i.e.: The partial pressure of the solvent over a solution is given by
the product of the vapor pressure of the pure solvent pSlt, partial pressure of solvent [Pa]
and the mole fraction of the solvent in the solution. pSle, partial pressure of solute [Pa]
pSlt = xSlt⋅p°Slt [Pa] xSlt, mole fraction of solvent [-]
p(Σ) = pSlt + pSle + etc. p°Slt, vapor pressure of pure solvent [Pa]
Deviation of RL.: Non-ideal (real) solutions deviate from the ideal pattern given by RL:
• Negative DoRL.: Total- and partial pressure are less than predicted by RL; attractive forces between
solute/solvent is greater than with like ones; the heat of solution in negative (exothermic).
• Positive DoRL.: Total- and partial pressure are greater than predicted by RL; attractive forces between
solute/solvent is lesser than with like ones; the heat of solution is positive (endothermic).
Semipermeable Membrane: A membrane that allows solvent molecules to pass through, but blocks the
movement of solute molecules; see osmosis.
Solubility: The maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved in a given quantity of a specific solvent at a
specific temperature (for gases: at a specific pressure); the concentration of a saturated solution of a
substance; e.g.: how much of a salt can be dissolved in a solvent.
KS - S. Constant: see solubility product;
Ksp - S. Product: The product of relative ionic molar concen- c, ionic molar conctr. [mol/l]
-trations of the constituent ions in a saturated solution, each raised A-, C+, anion, cation [-]
to the power of its stoichiometric coefficient in the equilibrium EQ; KC, equilibrium constant[-]
Ksp = KC⋅c(HA) = c(A-)⋅c(C+) [mol2/l2]
e.g.: Hg2Cl2(s) ↔ Hg22+(aq) + 2Cl- (aq); Ksp = c(Hg2++)⋅c2(Cl-) [mol3/l3]
Qsp - S. Quotient: The molar analogue of the solubility product, but with the molar concentrations not
necessarily those at equilibrium.
Qsp ≥ Ksp precipitate will form, whereas if Qsp < Ksp, still more salt can be added and will dissolve.
S. Rules: Solubility pattern of a range of common compounds in water - see table below.
• unpolar and polar substances are not miscible; e.g.: oil and water.
• like dissolves like; e.g.: ionic bonded element dissolve well in polar solvents, NaCl in H2O.
Pressure and Solubility: The process always implies a reduction of volume:
S. in Liquids: Since liquids are almost incompressible there is little influence in a change of volume.
S. in Gases: With increasing pressure more gas becomes dissolved in the solution; e.g.: soft-drink bottle
effect, diving (see Henry’s law).
Properties of aqueous solutions:
Acid-Base Reaction: Is a reaction in which protons are transferred; it is a proton transfer reactions; see
chemistry acid-base.
Gas-Forming Reaction: e.g.:
Ammonium salt: NH4+ + OH- → NH3(g) + H2O
Carbonate: CO3- + 2H+ → H2CO3 → CO2(g) + H2O
Sulfide: S2- + 2H+ → H2S(g)
Sulfate: SO3- + 2H+ → H2SO3 → SO2(g) + H2O
Oxidation-Reduction Reaction (RedOx): A reaction in which electrons are transferred; it is an electron
transfer reaction; see chemistry - stoichiometry-redox.
Precipitation Reaction: A reaction in which an insoluble solid product (which separates from the
solution) is formed when two solutions are mixed; i.e.: AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)
Temperature and Solubility: Temperature always influences solubility in a negative or positive way:
Endothermic S.: With increasing temperature, solubility increases, the endothermic (energy consuming)
process can proceed; follows the principle of Le Chatelier (see chemistry stoichiometry)
Exothermic S.: Solubility decreases with lower temperatures; gases are exothermic (energy releasing)
even though solubility decreases with raising temperatures.
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Molal boiling point elevation and freezing point depression constants of several common compounds:
Solubility Rule (based on Group-I &-II &-III elements, NH4+ Al3+ Pb2+ Sn2+:
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Thermal E.: Energy associated with the random motion of atoms and molecules.
H - Enthalpy: A thermodynamic quantity used to describe heat changes taking place at constant pressure
(isobar); i.e.: reservoir of energy that can be obtained as heat;
∆H = ∆U + W = Hfinal - Hinitial [kJ/mol] ∆U, internal energy [J]
∆H = ∆U + p⋅∆V = ∆U + R⋅∆n⋅T [kJ/mol] W, work [N⋅m] [J]
∆H < 0: heat released (exothermic reaction); p, pressure [N/m2] [Pa
∆H > 0: heat absorbed (endothermic reaction); ∆V, change in volume [m3]
Reminder: when using ∆H, don’t forget to add R, gas c. 8.314 [J/(K⋅mol)]
the reactants- and products phase! ∆n, molar amount [mol]
E. of Chemical Change: Processes involved in chemical changes; T, temperature [K]
• E. of Formation: see Born Haber cycle.
• E. of Hydration: Energy which is released from ions(g) to dissolved hydrated ions(aq) in a
hypothetical process; ∆HH is always negative.
e.g.: K+(g) + Cl-(g) → (H2O) → K+(aq) + Cl-(aq) ∆HH = -684.1[kJ/mol]
• E. of Reaction: The difference between the enthalpies of the products and the enthalpies of the
reactants; measured in [J/mole] (compare physics - heat).
Endothermic R.: Processes that absorb heat from the surrounding environment, ∆H > 0;
i.e.: ½ H2(g) + ½ I2(s) → HI(g) ∆H = +25.9 [kJ]
Exothermic R.: Processes that give off heat to the surroundings, ∆H < 0;
i.e.: H2(g) + ½ O2(g) → H2O(g) ∆H = -241.8 [kJ]
• E. of Solution: The heat generated or absorbed when a certain amount of solute is dissolved in a
certain amount of solvent; i.e.: the sum of energy required to break the lattice structure and energy set
free during solvatization; e.g.: ∆H = HSln - HComponents
1. KCl(s) → (H2O) → K+(g) + Cl-(g)....lattice energy (positive) ∆HS = +701.2 [kJ/mol]
2. K (g) + Cl (g) → (H2O) → K (aq) + Cl (aq)....hydration energy
+ - + -
∆HS = -684.1 [kJ/mol]
Σ KCl(s) → (H2O) → K+(aq) + Cl-(aq)....endothermic, heat take-up ∆HS = +17.1 [kJ/mol]
i) most non-ionic bonds are endothermic (lattice energy smaller than in ionic bonds);
i) most gases are exothermic (no lattice present to be broken up);
E. of Physical Change: Processes involved in physical changes;
• ∆Hfrez E. of Freeezing: The negative of the enthalpy of melting.
• ∆Hvap E. of Vaporization: The difference in enthalpy per mole between the vapor and liquid states of
a substance; e.g.: ∆Hvap = Hvapor - Hliquid water: +40.7[kJ/mol]
• ∆Hmel E. of Melting: The difference in enthalpy per mole between the solid and liquid states of a
substance; e.g.: ∆Hmel = Hliquid - Hsolid water: +6.01[kJ/mol]
• ∆Hsub E. of Sublimation: The enthalpy change per mole of molecules when a solid changes into vapor;
e.g.: ∆Hsub = Hvap - Hsolid always endothermic (positive)
Electron E.: Uptake or release of energy by giving off, or accepting an electron.
• ∆HEa - Electron Affinity: The energy released when an electron is added to a gas-phase atom or ion of
the elements forming an anion; the negative of the electron-gain enthalpy (see table below); e.g.:
∆H > 0: Ne(g) + e- → Ne- (g) energy is needed to add an e ∆HEa = +29 [kJ/mol] or [eV/atom]
∆H < 0: Fe(g) + e- → Fe- (g) energy is released ∆HEa = -328 [kJ/mol]
with the highest value in the upper right and the lowest values at the lower left of the periodic table.
• ∆HIon - Ionization Energy: The minimum energy required to remove an electron from the ground state
of a gaseous atom, molecule , or ion. The second ionization energy is the ionization energy for
removal of a second electron and has to be higher than the first; (∆H always positive)
e.g.: 1st IE: Na → Na+ + e- ∆HIon = +496 [kJ/mol] = [eV/atom]
2 IE: Ag → Ag + e
nd + 2+ -
∆HIon = +4563 [kJ/mol]
I.E. increases from left to right across the period and decreases down a group in the periodic table.
Electron Gain E.: see electron enthalpy.
Lattice E.: The standard enthalpy change for the conversion of an ionic solid to a gas of ions.
∆Hf° Standard E. of Formation: The heat change that results when 1 mole of compound is formed from
its elements in their standard states, i.e.: 101.3[kPa] and 298.15[K] = 25[°C];
e.g.: ∆H° = Σn∆Hf°(products) - Σn∆Hf°(reactants)
∆H° Standard E. of Reaction: Enthalpy change of the reaction carried out under standard-state
conditions.
∆HC° Standard E. of Combustion: The change in enthalpy per mole of substance when it burns (reacts
with Oxygen) completely under standard-state conditions;
e.g.: C converts to CO2, H to H2O, N to N2, S to SO2;
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Entropy: A direct measure of the randomness or disorder of a system. ∆H, enthalpy [J/mol]
Q - Heat: The amount of energy in form of heat; n, molar amount [mol]
Q = ∆H⋅n = C⋅∆T [J] C, heat capacity [J/K]
C - Heat Capacity: The amount of heat required to raise the T, temperature [K]
temperature of a given quantity of the substance by 1°C; m, mass [g]
i.e.: to raise 1g of water from 14.5°C to 15.5°C s, specific heat [J/(g⋅K)]
the energy of 4.184[J] (=1cal) is required: C = m⋅s [J/K]
H. of Dilution: The heat change associated with the hydration process - see chemistry liquid.
H. of Hydration: The heat change associated with the hydration process.
H. of Solution: see enthalpy of solution. Q, heat [N⋅m] [J]
Specific H. Capacity: The heat capacity per gram. m, mass [kg
s = Q/(m⋅∆T) [N⋅m/(kg⋅K)] = [J/(kg⋅K)] T, temperature [K]
Hess’s Law: When reactants are converts to products, the change in enthalpy is the same whether the reaction
takes place in one step or in a series of steps.
Molarity: The number of moles of solute in one liter of solution.
M. Heat of Fusion: The energy [kJ] required to melt one mole of solid;
e.g. 1[mol] at 101[kPa]: H2O(s) → H2O(l) ∆HFus = +6.01 [kJ/mol]
M. Heat of Condensation: Equal to molar heat of vaporization but with opposite sign.
M. Heat of Crystallization: Amount of heat withdrawn from one mole of liquid at crystallization; equal
to molar heat of fusion but with opposite sign.
M. Heat of Sublimation: The energy [kJ] required to sublime one mole of solid;
∆HSub = ∆HFus + ∆HVap [kJ/mol]
M. Heat of Vaporization: The energy [kJ] required to vaporize one mole of liquid; i.e.: the energy
needed to liberate single molecules from the liquid pool (D=volumsarbeit); see Claudius-Clapeyron’s
equation;
e.g. 1 mol of at 25°C at 1atm: H2O(l) → H2O(g) ∆HVap = +43.8 [kJ/mol]
• the higher the intermolecular forces the lower the vapor pressure;
• the lower the temperature the smaller ∆HV (Tcrit: ∆HV = 0!).
Temperature: 1) How hot or cold a sample is. 2) The intensive property that determines the direction in which
heat will flow between two objects.
Absolute T.: Temperature scale with the lowest possible temperature: T = 0K (K = °C + 273.15)
Critical T.: The temperature above which a gas will not liquefy.
Thermochemistry: The study of heat changes in chemical reactions.
T. Equation: An equation that shows both the species involved and enthalpy relations;
e.g.: CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(l) ∆H = -890 [kJ/mol]
Thermodynamics: The study of the transformation of energy from one form to another.
1st Law: Energy can be converted from one form to the another, but cannot be created or destroyed.
2nd Law: The entropy of the universe increases in a spontaneous process and remains unchanged in an
equilibrium process.
3rd Law: The entropy of a perfect crystalline substance is zero at the absolute zero of temperature.
Van’t Hoff Equation: see stoichiometry - equilibrium.
W -Work: The energy expended during the at of moving an object against an opposing force; one joule of work
is done when a force of 1 newton is exerted over a distance of 1 meter (compare power):
W = F⋅d [N⋅m] = [J] F, force [N]
Endergonic: (Gk. endo, within; ergon, work) Describing a d, distance [m]
chemical reaction that requires energy to proceed; (compare exergonic).
Exergonic: (L. ex, out; ergon, work) Energy-yielding, as in a chemical reaction; applied to a “downhill“
process; compare endergonic).
Standard bond energies of formation for common substances (25°C and 101.3kPa) [kJ/mol]
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Electric C.: An electrochemical cell in which an electric current is used to cause chemical change;
Here anode (+), cathode (-) to start a reaction by imposing an external force during electrolysis.
e.g.: Zn electrode (anode) + Cu electrode (cathode) produces an electric current if emerged in an
electrolyte; resulting in two half reactions:
Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e- 2e- + Cu2+(aq) → Cu(s)
overall reaction: Zn(s) + Cu (aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
2+
Electrode: A metallic conductor that makes contact with an electrolyte in an electrochemical cell - see there.
Anode: (Gk: an, up) The electrode at which oxidation occurs; attracts anions; e.g.: Cl-.
Cathode: (Gk: cat, down) The electrode at which reduction occurs; attracts cations; e.g.: Na+.
SHE - Standard Hydrogen E.: A H-electrode that is in its standard state (H+ ions at concentration
1[mol/l] and H-pressure 101[kPa]) and is defined as having E° = 0:
H2 → 2H+ + 2e-
2H+(aq, 1molar) + 2e- → H2(g, 1atm) E = 0
Electrolysis: 1) A process in which a chemical change is produced by passing an electric current through a
liquid. 2) The process of driving a reaction in a non-spontaneous direction by passing an electric current
through a solution: e.g.: electrolysis in aqueous solution of Na2SO4:
cathode-reaction: anode reaction:
H2O ↔ H+ + OH- H2O ↔ H+ + OH-
2H+ + 2e- → H2(g) 2OH- → ½O2(g) + H2O + 2e-
2H2O + 2e ↔ H2(g) + 2OH
- -
H2O → ½ O2(g) + 2H++ 2e-
Net result of these two half reactions: H2O → ½ O2(g) + H2(g)
• electrolysis in aqueous solution of NaCl yields: 2H2O + 2Na+ + 2Cl- ↔ H2(g) + Cl2(g) + 2Na+ + 2OH-
• electrolysis in aqueous solution of CuSO4 yields; H2O + Cu2+ + SO42- ↔ Cu(s) + H2(g) + 2H+ + SO42-
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Electrolyte: 1) An ionically conducting medium. 2) A substance that, when dissolved in water, results in a
solution that can conduct electricity; see table below.
E. Conduction: see conductor.
E. Rule: For a net potential of zero, the positive and negative charges must add up to zero; a solution must
contain essentially as many anionic as cationic charges; see chemistry - liquid.
Non-E.: Is a solution in which no proportion of the solute molecules are ionized, hence does not conduct
electricity; e.g.: C6H12O6(aq)
Strong E.: Is a solution in which a large proportion of the solute molecules are ionized (complete
dissociation into ions); e.g.: NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq) 1mol K2SO4 → 3mol ions
Weak E.: Is a solution in which only a small proportion of the solute 1mol NaCl → 2mol ions
molecules are ionized (partly dissociation into ions); e.g.: CH3COOH(aq)
Electronegativity: The ability of an atom to attract electron toward itself in a chemical bond.
Faraday’s Law of Electrolysis: The amount (in moles) of product formed by an electric current is chemically
equivalent to the amount (in moles) of electrons supplied:
q = FEQ⋅z⋅n = FEQ⋅z⋅m/M [C] q, disposing charge [C]
F. Constant: The charge per mole of electrons; FEQ, equivalent charge [C/mol]
F = 6.022⋅1023 [1/mol] x 1.6022⋅10-19 [C] = 96485 [C/mol] z, amount of charge/ion [1/mol]
Half Cell Reaction: Oxidation and reduction reactions at the n, deposited molar amount [mol]
electrodes - see electrochemical cell. m, deposited mass [g]
Redox Couple: Consists of the oxidized and reduced species M, molar mass [g/mol]
taking part in the half reaction; e.g.: Red (Zn) / Ox (Zn2+) F, Faraday c. 96485 [C/mol]
Nernst Equation: The EQ expressing the cell potential in terms of the KC, equilibrium constant[var]
concentrations of the reagents taking part in the cell reaction; E°, stand. reduction pot. [V]
E = E° - ln(q)⋅R⋅T/(NOX⋅F) = E° - log(KC)⋅0.05916/NOX [V] R, gas constant 8314 [J/mol]
e.g.: Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu (s) T, temperature [K]
= 1.1-log(c(Zn2+)/c(Cu2+))⋅0.0592/2 NOX, oxidation number [-]
Redoxpotential of any half reaction of a metal Mn+, molar concentration on metal
n+
E = E° + log(M )⋅0.05916/NOX [V] ion in solution [mol/l]
V - Potential (voltage): The electric (pressure) potential energy per PE, potential energy [J]
amount of charge, measured in volts, see physics electromagnetics. q, charge [A⋅s] [C]
V = PE/q [J/(A⋅s)] = [J/C] = [V]
E° - Standard Cell P.: The cell potential when the concentration of each type of ion taking part in the cell
reaction id 1[mol/l] and all the gases are at 1[atm] pressure. E° is the sum of its two standard electrode
potentials: E° = E°(cathode) + E°(anode) [V]; see table below.
E°(ox/red) - Standard Electrode P.: The contribution of an electrode to the standard cell potential see
redox couple (half cell reaction).
Standard Reduction P.: The voltage measured as a redox reaction occurs at the electrode when all
solutes are 1[mol/l] and all gases are at 101[kPa].
Rules for SRP: i) all E° values of the half reactions are read from left to right
i) the more positive the greater the tendency to be reduced
i) half reactions are reversible; any electrode can act either as an anode or as a cathode
i) under STP conditions any species on the left of a given halfreaction will react
spontaneously with a species that appears on the right above it (diagonal rule)
i) a change in stoichiometric coefficient does not effect the value of E°
i) E° changes sign whenever a halfreaction is reversed
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• The sum of the oxidation numbers of all the atoms in the species is equal to its total charge.
• For the atoms in element form it is 0.
• For elements of group I = +1
II = +2
III = +3 (except B)
IV = +4 (except Si and C)
• For H +1 in combination with nonmetals -1 in combination with metals
• For F is always -1.
• For O -2 unless combined with F -1 in peroxides O22-
-½ in superoxides O2-
-1/3 in ozonides O3-
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Acid: A substance that dissociates in water by yielding hydrogen ions (H+), with subsequent hydration;
e.g.: HCl(g) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + Cl-(aq).
KA - Ionization constant: The equilibrium constant for the proton transfer of water(acid concentration);
e.g.: HA + H2O ↔ H3O+ + A- KA = KC⋅c(H2O) = c(H3O+)⋅c(A-) / c(HA)
Binary A.: An acid that contains only two elements.
Carboxylic A.: An acid that contains the carboxyl group -COOH.
Strength of A.: H-A = Hydrogen Acid bond.
• Acid - the more polar the H-A bond (due to a larger difference of electronegativity), the stronger the
acid of the same period; e.g.: H2O < HF <HCl < HBr < HI.
• The weaker the H-A bond (due to greater atomic radii), the stronger the acid; this effect is dominant
for acids of the same group; e.g.: HF < HCl < HBr < HI
• OxoAcid - the greater the number of O-atoms attached to the central atom (the greater its oxidation
number (NOX), the stronger the acid; e.g.: HClO < HClO2 < HClOO3 < HClO4
• If the same number of O-atoms are attached to the central atom (= greater EN of the central atom), the
stronger the acid; e.g.: HClO < HBrO < HIO
Amphoteric: The ability to react with both acids and bases; e.g.: H2O; HCO3-, NH3, HSO4-, see oxides.
Anylate: see titration.
Arrhenius: see acid-base.
Base: A substance that dissociates in water by yielding hydroxide ions (OH-) with subsequent hydration;
e.g.: NaOH(s) → H2O → Na+(aq) + OH-(aq)
KB - B. Ionisation Constant: Equilibrium constant for the proton transfer from water(base ionization);
e.g.: B + H2O ↔ BH+ + OH- KB = c(BH+)⋅c(OH-) / c(B)
Strength of A.B.: The stronger the base the weaker its conjugate acid and vice versa.
Buffer: A solution that resist any change in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added; i.e. a weak acid or
base with its conjugated counterpart in relative high concentrations; see Henderson-Hasselbalch.
Acid B.: Stabilizes solutions at pH < 7; e.g.: a solution containing both CH3CO2H and CH3 CO2-.
Base B.: Stabilizes solutions at pH > 7; e.g.: a solution containing NH3 and NH4+.
B. Capacity: The amount of hydronium ions (H3O+) or hydroxide ions (OH-) that can be added to a buffer
solution without changing its pH by more than 1 unit.
B. Range: The pH range over which a buffer solution is most effective.
B. Solution: A solution of a weak acid or base and its salt; both components must be present. The solution
has the ability to resist changes in pH upon the addition of small amounts of either acid or base.
α - % Dissociation: Overall concentration of a weak acid. c(0), initial concentration [mol/l]
α = 100⋅c(A-) / c(0) = 100⋅c(A-) / (c(HA) + c(A-)) [-] c(A-), conc. conj. base [mol/l]
KA = α2⋅c(0) / (1-α) [mol/l] c(HA), concentr. of acid [mol/l]
Equivalence Point: The point at which the acid has completely reacted (neutralized) with the base - see titration.
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation: An approximate equation for
estimating the pH of a solution containing a weak conjugate acid KA, ioniz. const. [mol/l]
and base, and specifically that of a buffer solution. c(A-), conc. of conj. base [mol/l]
pH = log(KA) + log(c(A-)) - log(c(HA)) [-] c(HA), concentr. of acid [mol/l]
pH = pKA + log(c(A-) / c(HA)) [-]
Hydroxyl: see ion.
Indicator: A weak organic acid or base that changes color when it shift from acid to its base form; i.e. acid-base
neutralization (acid-base indicator) or from its oxidized to its reduced form (a redox indicator); e.g.:
HInd(aq) + H2O(l) ↔ H3O+(aq) + Ind-(aq) where c(H3O+) is the H+ concentration (pH) of the anylate.
K(Ind) / c(H3O+) = c(HInd) / c(Ind-) [mol/l]
if = c(HInd) / c(Ind-) > 1, color of acid (Hind) predominates
if = c(HInd) / c(In-) < 1, color of conjugate base (Ind-) predominates
Preconditions are: both 1) HIn and In- have to be water soluble, 2) HIn and In- have to separate colors, 3)
Indicator concentration c(HIn) has to be low, 4) c(H3O+) of indicator should measure only pH of solution.
Ion: An atom / molecule that has lost / gained one or more electrons, and thus becomes positively or negatively
charged; i.e.: Al3+ (mono-atomic ion), SO4- (poly-atomic ion); see chemistry-atom and molecule.
Common I. Effect: The shift on equilibrium caused by the addition of a compound having an ion in
common with the dissolved substances e.g.:
acid and electrolyte of the acetate ion - CH3COOH and CH3COONa;
Hydration of I.: The attachment of water molecules to a central ion.
Hydronium I.: The ion H3O+; H5O3+; H7O5+;
Hydroxyl Group: An OH- group; a negatively charged ion formed by the disassociation of a water
molecule-compound that consists only of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Oxoanion: An anion derived from an oxoacid; e.g.: HCO3-, CO32-.
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Ionization: 1) Conversion to cations by the removal of electrons. 2) The donation of a proton from a neutral acid
molecule to a base with the formation of the conjugate base (an anion, in this instance) of the acid
(dissociation into ions of a compound in solution);
e.g.: K(g) → K+(g) + e-(g)
or: CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l) → H3O+(aq) + CH3CO2-(aq)
Lewis: see acid-base.
Neutralizing Reaction: A reaction between an acid and a base resulting in the formation of solute and a salt,
where the acid provides the anions and the base the cations: e.g.:
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → H2O + Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)
Oxoacid: An acid that contains O, H and another central element; e.g.: H2CO3, HNO3, HNO2, HClO;
• Metallic OA.: H-O-Z (Z stands for the metallic compound), showing lesser electronegativity than O,
i.e.: H-O bond is more covalent, leading to hydroxide (OH-) separation when dissolved in water;
• Non-Metallic-OA.: H-O-Z (Z stands for the non-metallic compound), here the O-Z bond is more
covalent, leading to hydrogen (H+) separation when dissolved in water; e.g.: HOI, HOBr, HOCl, ect.
Multiple OA.: Acidity increases with extra O-atoms in the n = 0, weak acidity
compound (relocate electron-density), which facilitates H+ n = 1, intermediate acidity
dissociation; (HO)mZOn n = 2, strong acid
e.g.: HOCl < HOClO < HOClO2 < HOClO3. n = 3, very strong acid
Non-OA.: Acids in which the H-atom is not bounded to an O-atom; e.g.: HF, HCl, H2S, etc. in which
acidity increases moving down a group: NH3 < H2O < HF or PH3 < H2S < HCl
Oxide: see table below
Acidic O.: An oxide of nonmetallic elements (p-block) that reacts with water to give an acid;
• Soluble: React with water by forming acids; like CO2; N2O5, SO2, SO3
e.g.: CO2 + 2H2O → H3O(aq) + HCO3-.
• Insoluble: Acid oxides can react with basic oxides; CaCO3(s) → T → CaO(s) + CO2(g)
e.g.: CaO(s) + SiO2(s) → CaSiO3(s)
Amphoteric: The ability to react with both acids and bases; e.g.: H2O; HCO3-, NH3, HSO4-,
• A. Oxide: An oxide that exhibits both acidic and basic properties.
Basic O.: The oxides (Bronsted base) of metallic elements (s-block) are generally basic e.g.: MgO, Na2O
etc. except BeO.
• Soluble: Group-I and II elements; CaO, SrO, BaO posses ionic structure already in the solid phase;
e.g.: CaO + H2O → Ca2+ + O2- + H2O → Ca2+ + 2OH-.
• Insoluble: Become soluble only during a neutralization reaction;
e.g.: Fe2O3(s) + 6H2O+(aq) → 2Fe3+(aq) + 9H2O(l)
pH (potential hydrogen): The negative logarithm of the hydronium ion pH = -log(c(H3O+))
concentration in a solution, at 25°C; KC = c(H3O+)⋅c(OH-) / c2(H2O)
e.g.: auto-dissociation of pure water 2H2O(l) ↔ H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq)
pH<7 indicates an acidic solution, and pH>7 a basic solution; KW = 10-14[mol2/l2] = 10-7[mol/l]
pH for weak acids/bases: simplification is applicable see autoionization of water for KW
acid: pH = ½⋅(pKA - logc0) KA, acid ionization const. [-]
base: pH = ½⋅(pKB - logc0) KB, base ionization const. [-]
pH for intermediate acids/base: no simplification applicable here: c0, initial concentration [mol/l]
acid: x = c(H3O+) = -½⋅KA + √(1/4⋅KA2 + KA⋅c0) pH = ½⋅pKW + ½⋅(KB + logc0)
base: x = c(OH-) = -½⋅KB + √(1/4⋅KB2 + KB⋅c0)
pH-Curve: The graph of the pH of a reaction mixture
against volume of titrant added in an acid-base titration.
pOH (potential hydroxide) The negative logarithm of the pOH = -log(c(OH-))
hydroxide ion concentration in a solution, at 25°C; KW = 10-14[mol2/l2]
ionic product of pH and pOH reflects pKW pH + pOH = 14
Salt: The product (other than water) of the reaction between an acid and a base; see chemistry liquid - solubility
equilibria e.g.: NaCl, K2SO4, etc.
• S. from strong bases and acids: pH of solution remains unaffected and oscillates around pH = 7;
e.g. NaCl, KNO3, etc.
• S. from strong bases and weak acids: pH shifts to levels >7; e.g.: KNO2, NaCN, Ca(CH3CO2)2, etc.
• S. from weak bases and strong acids: pH shifts to levels <7; e.g.: NH4NO3, FeBr2, AlCl3, ect.
• S. from weak acids and bases: both acidic or basic solutions are possible, depending upon the acidic-
or basic-character of the anions.
Substitution Reaction: 1) A reaction in which an atom (or a group of atoms) replaces an atom in the original
molecule. 2) In complexes, a reaction in which on Lewis base expels another and takes its place;
e.g.: [Fe(H2O)6]3+(aq) + 6CN-(aq) → [Fe(CN)6]3-(aq) + 6H2O(l)
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Titration: The analysis of composition by measuring the volume of one solution (titrant) needed to react with a
given volume of another solution (the anylate).
T. involving a strong acid and base: Equivalence point oscillates around pH 7 (steep rise at EP).
T. i.a. weak acid and strong base: Equivalence point oscillates around levels pH 7 - 14.
T. i.a. weak base and strong acid: Equivalence point oscillates around levels pH 1 - 7.
T. i.a. a weak acid and base: Equivalence point oscillates around pH 7, with a flat EP, hard to determine.
T. Curve: The sigmoidal profile of pH (anylate) over the volume of added titrant or level of titrant τ.
Anylate: The solution of unknown concentration in a titration.
Equivalence Point (stoichiometric point): The stage in a titration
when exactly the right volume of solution needed to complete n, molar amount [mol]
the reaction has been added; n(An)An = n(Ti)Ti V, volume of probes [l]
cAn⋅VAn = cTi⋅VTi c, molar concentration [mol/l]
Titrant: The solution of known concentration added from a buret in a titration
KW - Water Autionization Constant: The equilibrium constant for the auto-ionization of water,
2H2O(l) ↔ H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq) KW = KA⋅KB
KW = c(H3O+)⋅c(OH-) = KC⋅c2(H2O) = 10-14[mol2/l2] pKW = pKA⋅pKB
s-block p-block
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a Phosphoric Acid H3PO4 + H2O ↔ H3O+ + H2PO4- 7.6⋅10-3 2.12
Dihydrogen phosphate ion H2PO4- + H2O ↔ H3O+ + HPO42- 6.2⋅10-8 7.21
Hydrogen Phosphate ion HPO42- + H2O ↔ H3O+ + PO43- 1.0⋅10-12 12.0
a Chloroacetic Acid CH2ClCO2H + H2O ↔ H3O+ + CH2ClCO2- 1.4⋅10-3 2.85
a Arsenic Acid H3AsO4 + H2O ↔ H3O+ + H2AsO4- 2.5⋅10-4 3.60
H2AsO4- + H2O ↔ H3O+ + HAsO42- 5.6⋅10-8 7.25
HAsO4 + H2O ↔ H3O+ + AsO43- 3⋅10-13 12.5
a Lactic Acid CH3CH(OH)CO2H + H2O ↔ H3O+ + CH3CH(OH)CO2- 8.4⋅10-4 3.08
a Nitrous Acid HNO2 + H2O ↔ H3O+ + NO2- 4.3⋅10-4 3.37
a Hydroflouric Acid HF + H2O ↔ H3O+ + F- 3.5⋅10-4 3.45
a Formic Acid HCO2H + H2O ↔ H3O+ + HCO2- 1.8⋅10-4 3.75
a Cyanic Acid HOCN + H2O ↔ H3O+ + OCN- 1.2⋅10-4 3.9
a Benzoic Acid C6H5CO2H + H2O ↔ H3O+ + C6H5CO2- 6.0⋅10-5 4.19
b Aniline C6H5NH2+ H2O ↔ OH- + C6H5NH3+ 4.3⋅10-10 9.37
a Stickstoffwasserstoff Acid HN3 + H2O ↔ H3O+ + N3- 1.9⋅10-5 4.7
a Acetic Acid (HAc) CH3CO2H + H2O ↔ H3O+ + CH3CO2- 1.8⋅10-5 4.74
b Nicotinic Acid C5H4NCO2H+ H2O ↔ H3O+ + C5H4NCO2- 1.4⋅10-5 4.85
b Pyridine C5H5N + H2O ↔ OH- + C5H6O+ 1.8⋅10-9 8.75
b Hydroxalamine NH2OH + H2O ↔ OH- + NH2OH2+ 1.1⋅10-8 7.97
a Propane Acid C2H5CO2H + H2O ↔ H3O+ + C2H5CO2- 1.3⋅10-6
a Carbonic Acid H2CO3 + H2O ↔ H3O+ + HCO3- 4.3⋅10-7 6.37
Hydrogen Carbonate ion HCO3- + H2O ↔ H3O+ + CO32- 4.8⋅10-11 10.3
a Hydrosulfuric Acid H2S + H2O ↔ H3O+ + HS- 1.1⋅10-7 7.0
Hydrogen Sulfide ion HS- + H2O ↔ H3O+ + S2- 1.0⋅10-14 14.0
Water H2O + H2O ↔ H3O+ + OH- 1.0⋅10-7 7.0 7.0
a Hypochlorous Acid HClO + H2O ↔ H3O+ + OCl- 3.0⋅10-8 7.53
b Hydrazine N2H4 + H2O ↔ N2H3+ + OH- 9.8⋅10-7 6.0
b Nicotine C10H14N2 + H2O ↔ OH- + C10H15N2+ 1.0⋅10-6 5.98
b Morphine C17H19O3N + H2O ↔ OH- + C17H20O3N+ 1.6⋅10-6 5.79
b Hydrazine NH2NH2 + H2O ↔ OH- + NH2NH3+ 1.7⋅10-6 5.77
a Hyprobromous Acid HBrO + H2O ↔ H3O+ + OBr- 2.0⋅10-9 8.69
b Pyridine C6H5N + H2O ↔ OH- + C6H5NH+ 1.5⋅10-9 5.2
a Bromous Acid H3BO3 + H2O ↔ H3O+ + H2BO3- 9.1
a Boric Acid B(OH)3 + 2H2O ↔ H3O+ + B(OH)4- 7.2⋅10-10 9.14
a Hydrocyanic Acid HCN + H2O ↔ H3O+ + CN- 4.9⋅10-10 9.31
b Ammonia NH3 + H2O ↔ OH- + NH4+ 1.8⋅10-5 4.74
a Phenol C6H5OH + H2O ↔ H3O+ + C6H5O- 1.3⋅10-10 9.89
a Hypoiodous Acid HIO + H2O ↔ H3O+ + IO- 2.3⋅10 -11 10.64