Universidad de Jaén

LESSON 1. Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry: concept, object and purpose. Types of analysis. Scale of analysis. Classification of methods of chemical analysis. The language of analytical chemistry: fundamental concepts. The analytical problem: defining the problem and the characteristics of the information. The analytical process: Planning. Sampling. Sample preparation. Analytical measurement. Evaluation of results.

LESSON 2. Sampling

Introduction and sample types. Representativeness of the sample. Sampling plan design: statistical aspects of sampling. General strategies sampling. Methods and equipment for sampling fluids, gases and solids. Storage and preservation of samples.

LESSON 3. Sample Preparation

Preliminary operations or sample pretreatment: Solid samples: washing, reduction of particle size, sieving and homogenization, drying, splitting and subsampling. Liquid samples. Sample preparation: general considerations. Sample treatment for determination of inorganic analytes. Sample treatment for determination of organic analytes.

LESSON 4. Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects of Analytical Measurements

Qualitative aspects. The binary response and its quantitative implications. Errors: false positives and negatives. Identification based on chemical reactions. Identification based on instrumental techniques. Standards in qualitative analysis.

Quantitative aspects. Types quantification methodologies. Methods with and without analytical standards. Analytical calibration versus instrumental calibration.

LESSON 5. Gravimetric Methods of Analysis

Gravimetric Analysis: An Overview. Classification gravimetric methods. Stoichiometric calculations in gravimetric analysis: gravimetric factor. Errors. General operations in gravimetric analysis. Precipitation gravimetry. Other gravimetric methods.

LESSON 6. Principles of Volumetric Analysis

Volumetric Analysis: an overview. Requirements of a reaction for use in volumetric analysis. Classification of volumetric methods. Titration Curves. End point and equivalence point. Endpoint indicators. Indicator error. Volumetric material: use and calibration. Primary standards and standardized solutions. 

LESSON 7. Neutralization titrations

Neutralization curves: a) strong acid with strong base and vice versa, b) weak base with strong acid c) weak acid with strong base, d) polyprotic acids e) mixtures of acids and bases. Acid-base indicators. Transition interval and selection of appropriate indicator. Preparing standardized solutions of acids and bases: secondary standards. Errors in neutralization titrations. Examples of application.

LESSON 8. Oxidation-reduction titrations

Titration curves: characteristics. Redox indicators: types and selection. Previous treatments of oxidation or reduction. Titrations with permanganate: preparation of standard solutions, standard substances, applications. Titrations with dichromate: preparation of standard solutions, indicators, applications. Iodometry and iodimetry: standard substance preparation, standard substances, indicators, sources of error, applications.

LESSON 9. Complex Formation titrations

Titration Curves. Endpoint indicators: choice of indicator. Titration error. Titration with monodentate ligands. Titration with polydentate ligands: complexometry with EDTA. Applications and examples.

LESSON 10. Precipitation titrations

Titration Curves: Factors influencing the endpoint. Detection of endpoints in titrations with silver: chemical indicators. Mohr method, Fajans method and Volhard method. Applications.

LESSON 11. Evaluation of results and Quality Assurance

Relations between the analytical properties and the quality of the results. Errors in quantitative analytical results: concept and types. Uncertainty and trueness. Concept of traceability in analytical measurements. Types of standards in analytical chemistry and interrelations. Validation of analytical processes.

Sessions in small groups (2 hour duration) comprise 5 practical sessions in the laboratory and 5 sessions of discussion and presentation of case studies and exercises.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

The attendance to laboratory sessions and seminars (small group sessions) is compulsory. The proposed homework only will be evaluated in case of attendance.

A minimum calification  of 4 points must be reached in the exam order to consider the rest of the aspects for evaluation

Competences evaluated with each instrument:

Written Exam: B1, C3, Q1, Q2, Q3

Exercises and oral presentations: B1, B4, C3, Q2, Q3

Laboratory report: P2, Q3

Lecturer´s notes and observations: B1, B4, Q1