Chemistry 461
Inorganic Chemistry
Spring 2012
Instructor: Dr. Renee Beeton
Office: Porter Hall, Room 303
Office Hours: R 1:00 – 3:00, F 8:00 – 10:00 and by appointment
Office Number: 587-7383
Email: rbeeton@adams.edu
Course Description
This is an introductory survey course for inorganic chemistry. The goal of the course is to get a
feel for the variety of subjects studied by inorganic chemists. Topics covered with include modern
concepts of structure, bonding, and reactivity for inorganic compounds, acid-base reactivity,
coordination compounds, and organometallic chemistry.
Student Learning Outcomes:
(A) Students will develop a working knowledge of theoretical inorganic chemistry.
(B) Students will be able to relate the concepts and theories of inorganic chemistry to other disciplines
where appropriate.
(C) Students will increase their ability to deal with difficult subject matter in a logical and systematic
fashion.
(D) Students will enhance their ability to think as a chemist.
(E) Students will gain an appreciation of the historical development of theoretical inorganic chemistry.
Textbook
Inorganic Chemistry 3th edition by Gary L. Miessler and Donald A. Tarr
ISBN: 0-13-035471-6
There is also a Solutions Manual that goes with the book. This is not required, but recommended. It is
not sold at the bookstore, but can be found on-line.
Assignments, Evaluation Procedures, and Grading Policy:
1. Homework: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis.
2. Term Paper: Students are required to write a research report on any area of inorganic chemistry
that they find interesting (following approval of the topic by the instructor). The paper should be
4-6 typed double spaced pages, not including figures, graphs, or references. The paper is due
Friday, May 4.
3. Examinations: Three exams will be administered during the semester at the GLTC. There will
be no time limit on these exams, but must be taken on the days specified. A comprehensive final
exam will be given at the end of the semester during finals week.
Exam 1
Thursday, February 16 - Friday, February 17
Exam 2
Monday, March 26 – Wednesday, March 28
Exam 3
Thursday, April 26 – Friday, April 27
Final Exam
Tuesday, May 8 1:00 – 3:00
4. Grading: Your final course grade will be determined by the percentages illustrated below:
Homework
20%
Three Hour Exams
50%
Term Paper
10%
Final Exam
20%
There will be no letter grade assigned until all possible points have been accumulated. If you need to
estimate your letter grade, use the following scale: 87% – 75% – 60% – 50%
Tentative list of topics covered:
Topic
Reading Assignment
Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends
Bonding Theories
Symmetry and Group Theory
Molecular Orbital Theory
Crystalline Solid States
Acid-Base Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry - Structure
Coordination Chemistry - Bonding
Coordination Chemistry - Reactions
Organometallic Chemistry
Organometallic Reactions/Catalysis
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
Ch. 5 (skip 5-2-4, 5-2-5, 5-3-2, 5-4, 5-5)
Ch. 7 (skip 7-1-2, 7-1-3, 7-1-4, 7-2, 7-4, 7-5, 7-7)
Ch. 6 (skip 6-3-2)
Ch. 9
Ch. 10 (skip 10-1-2)
Ch. 12 (skip 12-4-2, 12-8-2, 12-9)
Ch. 13 (skip 13-7)
Ch. 14
Cheating, Withdrawals, Incompletes and Special Consideration
Cheating: Cheating of any sort will not be tolerated. If you are caught intentionally cheating, you
will receive as a minimum penalty an F for the course and may be subject to additional discipline
from the college.
Withdrawals and Incompletes: The last day to withdraw from this course and receive a grade of
W is March 9. After that date, a W may be given only with special approval and for extenuating
circumstance. Poor performance in class does not constitute an extenuating circumstance. A
grade of incomplete is given only for documented medical reasons or extenuating circumstances,
to be determined by the instructor. Poor performance in class is not an acceptable reason for an
incomplete.
Special Consideration: If you require course adaptations or accommodations because of a
documented disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you
need particular arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an
appointment with me as soon as possible.
Evacuation Plan: Should it be necessary to evacuate the classroom, the quickest way to exit is by
the main door. Following an evacuation, we MUST meet. This is important as we must notify
emergency personal if someone is potentially in the building. Our meeting location will be
outside the main door to Porter hall. Be aware that emergency vehicles will be using the parking
lot and the drive around Porter.
If you feel you might need assistance in quickly evacuating the building, please notify me.