Course

Principles of Chemical Science, Advanced Track

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is an introductory chemistry course designed for students with a robust foundation in chemistry. Knowledge of calculus is recommended. The course emphasizes:

  • Basic principles of atomic and molecular electronic structure
  • Thermodynamics
  • Acid-base and redox equilibria
  • Chemical kinetics and catalysis

Additionally, the course applies these fundamental principles to address problems in:

  • Metal coordination chemistry
  • Organic chemistry
  • Biological chemistry
Course Lectures
  • In this module, we dive deeper into the atomic theory of matter, focusing on crystal field theory. Topics include:

    • Understanding the tetrahedral and square planar cases
    • Exploring the spectrochemical series
    • Analyzing strong and weak field ligands
    • Discussing magnetism in transition metals, including paramagnetism and diamagnetism

    Through detailed lectures and discussions, students will gain a robust understanding of these critical concepts in chemistry.

  • This module expands on the discovery of the atomic nucleus, highlighting key historical developments and scientific breakthroughs. Key points include:

    • Experiments leading to the identification of the nucleus
    • Understanding its structure and function within the atom
    • Discussion on the implications of the nucleus in chemistry and physics

    Students will explore how these discoveries have shaped modern scientific thought.

  • In this module, the wave-particle duality of radiation and matter is examined. Students will cover:

    • The dual nature of light and electrons
    • Experiments demonstrating wave-particle duality
    • Implications for quantum mechanics and chemistry

    This foundational concept is essential for advanced study in chemical science.

  • This module focuses on the particle-like nature of light, emphasizing its quantized properties. The content includes:

    • The concept of photons and their role in chemical reactions
    • Applications of particle-like behavior in spectroscopy
    • Connections to energy levels in atoms and molecules

    Through engaging lectures, students will gain insights into the behavior of light at the quantum level.

  • Matter as a Waves
    Sylvia Ceyer

    This module explores the concept of matter as waves, focusing on the wave nature of particles. Key topics include:

    • The de Broglie wavelength and its implications
    • Wave functions and their role in quantum mechanics
    • Applications in determining the behavior of particles

    Students will learn how wave-like properties of matter influence chemical interactions.

  • This module introduces the Schrödinger equation, particularly for the hydrogen atom. Students will explore:

    • The derivation of the Schrödinger equation
    • How it describes the hydrogen atom's wave function
    • Applications of the equation in predicting atomic behavior

    Understanding this equation is crucial for advanced studies in quantum chemistry.

  • P Orbitals (Part 2)
    Sylvia Ceyer

    This module delves into the characteristics of p orbitals. Key discussions will include:

    • The shape and orientation of p orbitals
    • The role of p orbitals in bonding
    • How p orbitals influence molecular geometry

    Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of p orbitals and their significance in chemical bonding.

  • This module focuses on the wavefunctions of the hydrogen atom. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the significance of wavefunctions
    • How wavefunctions relate to electron probability distributions
    • Applications of wavefunctions in predicting atomic behavior

    Students will learn how wavefunctions provide crucial insights into atomic structure.

  • This module investigates the electronic structure of multielectron atoms. Key points of study include:

    • Comparing electronic configurations in multielectron systems
    • Understanding electron-electron interactions
    • The role of multielectron structure in chemical properties

    Students will explore how multielectron systems differ from hydrogen and their implications in chemistry.

  • This module covers periodic trends in elemental properties. Students will learn about:

    • How atomic structure influences trends
    • Periodic variations in reactivity, electronegativity, and ionization energy
    • Applying periodic trends to predict element behavior

    Understanding these trends is essential for mastering chemical principles.

  • This module addresses the importance of wavefunctions in quantum mechanics. Key areas of focus include:

    • Understanding the concept of wavefunctions in detail
    • The role of wavefunctions in determining electron behavior
    • Applications in molecular modeling and quantum chemistry

    Students will learn why wavefunctions are central to understanding chemical systems.

  • This module explores ionic bonds through classical models and mechanisms. Key discussion points include:

    • Definition and characteristics of ionic bonds
    • How ionic bonds form between atoms
    • The role of ionic bonds in compound stability

    In-depth understanding of ionic bonding is crucial for advanced studies in chemical interactions.

  • This module examines the kinetic theory and the behavior of gases. Students will cover:

    • The fundamental postulates of kinetic theory
    • How kinetic theory explains gas behavior and properties
    • Implications for real gases versus ideal gases

    Students will gain insights into gas laws and their applications in various scientific contexts.

  • This module discusses the distribution of molecular energies. Key topics include:

    • Understanding the concept of molecular energy distribution
    • Application of the Boltzmann distribution
    • Implications for reaction rates and equilibrium

    Students will learn how energy distribution affects chemical reactions and stability.

  • This module covers internal degrees of freedom in molecules. Key areas of focus will include:

    • Identifying different types of internal degrees of freedom
    • Understanding their role in molecular vibrations and rotations
    • Applications in thermodynamics and spectroscopy

    Students will learn how internal degrees of freedom impact the physical properties of substances.

  • This module discusses intermolecular interactions and their significance. Key topics include:

    • The different types of intermolecular forces
    • How intermolecular interactions affect physical properties
    • Applications in understanding states of matter

    Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these interactions influence molecular behavior.

  • Polarizability
    Sylvia Ceyer

    This module explores polarizability and its role in molecular interactions. Key areas of study include:

    • Understanding the concept of polarizability
    • How polarizability affects intermolecular forces
    • Applications in material science and chemistry

    Students will learn how polarizability contributes to the stability and reactivity of different substances.

  • This module provides an overview of thermodynamics and spontaneous change. Key topics to be discussed include:

    • The laws of thermodynamics
    • Understanding spontaneous processes and equilibrium
    • Applications in predicting chemical reactions and energy changes

    Students will learn how thermodynamic principles govern chemical systems and reactions.

  • This module covers the molecular description of acids and bases. Key areas of focus include:

    • Theories of acids and bases (Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis)
    • Understanding pH and its significance
    • Applications in chemical reactivity and equilibrium

    With a detailed exploration of acids and bases, students will enhance their understanding of these fundamental concepts.

  • This module delves into the intricate concepts of Lewis and Bronsted acid-base theories. Students will explore the nature of acids and bases, and how they interact in different chemical systems. The focus will be on crystal field theory, examining both tetrahedral and square planar cases. Students will also learn about the spectrochemical series, differentiating between strong and weak field ligands. The lecture concludes with an engaging discussion on the magnetic properties of transition metals, exploring the differences between paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials.

  • In this module, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of titration curves and the use of pH indicators in chemical analysis. The module covers the principles of acid-base titrations, exploring the calculations needed to determine the pH at various points in the titration process. Students will learn about the different types of pH indicators and their suitability for specific titrations. The session also includes practical examples to illustrate the impact of titration techniques on chemical equilibria and the role of crystal field theory in these processes.

  • This module covers the key role of electrons in redox processes, fundamental to understanding chemical reactions. Students will explore the principles of oxidation and reduction, the movement of electrons, and how these processes can be quantitatively analyzed. In addition to theoretical foundations, the module includes practical examples of redox reactions in everyday life and industrial applications. The content also revisits crystal field theory, highlighting its relevance in understanding electron distribution in transition metals.

  • Cell Potentials and Free Energy
    Christopher Cummins

    In this engaging module, students will investigate the relationship between cell potentials and free energy. The course examines the Nernst equation, calculating cell potentials and their dependence on reaction conditions. Students will understand how these concepts relate to the spontaneity of chemical reactions and the Gibbs free energy. The module also offers insights into the application of these principles in designing efficient electrochemical cells and batteries.

  • Theory of Molecular Shapes
    Christopher Cummins

    This module introduces the theory of molecular shapes, a fundamental concept in understanding molecular behavior and interactions. Students will study VSEPR theory, exploring how the spatial arrangement of atoms affects molecular geometry. The module includes a discussion on hybridization and its role in determining molecular shapes, as well as practical applications in predicting the properties of complex molecules. Emphasis is placed on real-world examples to demonstrate the importance of molecular geometry in chemical reactions and material design.

  • Valence Bond Theory
    Christopher Cummins

    Valence Bond Theory is a cornerstone of understanding chemical bonding, and this module provides an in-depth look at its principles and applications. Students will explore the concept of hybrid orbitals and their formation, as well as the role of electron pairing in bond formation. The module also addresses the limitations of Valence Bond Theory and compares it with Molecular Orbital Theory, offering a comprehensive view of chemical bonding in different contexts. Practical examples and case studies are included to illustrate the theory's applications.

  • Molecular Orbital Theory (Part 2)
    Christopher Cummins

    This module continues the exploration of Molecular Orbital Theory, with a focus on complex systems and the formation of molecular orbitals. Students will analyze the bonding and antibonding interactions in molecules, understanding their impact on molecular stability and reactivity. The module also covers the application of this theory in explaining the electronic structure of more complex molecules, such as polyatomic species, and its usefulness in predicting molecular behavior and properties.

  • Focusing on diatomic molecules, this module explores the principles of Molecular Orbital Theory. Students will learn how to construct molecular orbital diagrams for diatomic molecules and predict their magnetic and electronic properties. The course emphasizes the role of symmetry in determining molecular orbital configurations and provides practical examples to highlight the theory's predictive power in explaining the behavior of simple diatomic systems.

  • This module extends the application of Molecular Orbital Theory to polyatomic molecules, offering insights into the complexity of their electronic structures. Students will explore how molecular orbitals are built for larger systems, considering factors such as symmetry and electron delocalization. The module includes discussions on the impact of these factors on molecular properties and reactivity, with examples from organic and inorganic chemistry to illustrate the practical applications of the theory.

  • Crystal Field Theory (Part 1)
    Christopher Cummins

    The first part of the Crystal Field Theory module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and applications of this theory in understanding the electronic structures of transition metal complexes. Students will learn how to analyze crystal field splitting patterns, predict spectroscopic properties, and discuss the influence of ligand field strength. The module also covers the formation of coordination complexes and their magnetic properties, providing a comprehensive understanding of transition metal chemistry.

  • Crystal Field Theory (Part 2)
    Christopher Cummins

    Building on the previous module, this session delves deeper into the advanced aspects of Crystal Field Theory. Students will explore the spectrochemical series in greater depth, understanding the nuances of strong and weak field ligands. The module also examines the magnetic properties of transition metals, differentiating between paramagnetic and diamagnetic complexes. Real-world applications in material science and coordination chemistry are discussed, emphasizing the theory's practical significance.

  • This module explores the fascinating world of color and magnetism in coordination complexes. Students will learn how the electronic structure of a complex influences its color and magnetic properties. The course covers various spectroscopic techniques used to analyze these properties and provides insights into the design of complexes with specific optical and magnetic characteristics. Practical examples demonstrate the application of these principles in developing materials with targeted functionalities.

  • In this module, students will explore the complex interactions that define coordination complexes and their ligands. The module provides a detailed overview of ligand types, their roles in forming complexes, and the factors influencing their stability and reactivity. Students will also learn about the coordination number, geometry, and the principles governing ligand exchange and substitution reactions, offering insights into the dynamic nature of coordination chemistry.

  • This module addresses the kinetics of ligand substitution reactions, crucial for understanding the dynamic behavior of coordination complexes. Students will examine the factors influencing reaction rates, such as ligand field strength and geometry. The course includes discussions on the mechanisms of substitution reactions and their applications in catalysis and material science. Through practical examples, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these reactions impact the functionality of coordination complexes.

  • In this module, students will explore the intricate bonding characteristics of metals and semiconductors. The course covers band theory and its application in understanding the electronic properties of these materials. Students will learn about the factors influencing conductivity, the formation of energy bands, and the distinction between metals, insulators, and semiconductors. The module also includes a discussion on practical applications, such as the development of electronic devices and materials with tailored properties.

  • This module concludes the course with an exploration of nuclear chemistry and its applications, including the Cardiolite story. Students will learn about the principles of nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and the use of radioisotopes in medical imaging and treatment. The module highlights the development and application of Cardiolite, a radiopharmaceutical used in cardiac imaging, demonstrating the real-world significance of nuclear chemistry in healthcare and diagnostics.