CHEMISTRY 370: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
SPRING 2009
Instructors
John W. Gilje
Physics & Chemistry 3124
568-3729
giljejw@jmu.edu
Course Objectives. Chemistry 370 is a one-semester introduction to the principles of inorganic chemistry. It is
also an opportunity to fine-tune your understanding of some of the basic chemical concepts introduced in general
chemistry. Principal topics include periodicity, structure, symmetry, bonding models, reactivity and an
introduction to transition metal complexes.
Reading assignments. The primary reference for this course will be Huheey, Keiter and Keiter, Inorganic
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Chemistry, 4 Edition. However, we will make use of considerable general chemistry material and I expect that
you will have a text such as Silberberg, Principles of General Chemistry available as a reference and study aid.
You will find that a molecular model kit will be very helpful. If you do not have one from Organic Chemistry, they
are available in the bookstore or online. I expect that you will have access to a computer with internet access.
Homework. While there will not be any formal homework assignments, learning chemistry is not a spectator
sport! Working problems is one of the most effective ways to master chemistry and I will suggest problems that
may help you with the material we are covering in class. I fully expect (and encourage) you to work with your
classmates to understand the chemistry you are learning in Chem 370.
Exams. The concepts tested on exams will be based heavily on lecture content. However, some background
material and, occasionally, independent study topics will be included on the exams. Four equally weighted hour
exams will be given during the semester. The final exam is an ACS National Exam and is comprehensive. No
make-up exams will be given.
Hour Exam 1: Friday, February 6
Hour Exam 2: Wednesday, March 18
Hour Exam 3: Monday, April 6
Hour Exam 4: Friday, May1
ACS Inorganic Chemistry Exam: Friday, May 8, 8:00-10:00 AM
Grading. Your final grade in the course will be determined from the following:
4 Hour Exams 90%
ACS Examination 10%
The last day to drop this course is March 20, 2009. I do not give Wp/Wf grades.
Inclement weather. If the university is closed or classes are delayed due to inclement weather, the missed
class may be rescheduled for 7:00 AM on a subsequent class day. This will be announced following the closure.
If the university is closed during a period when an exam is scheduled, the exam will be during the next class
period.
Honor Code. The spirit of the JMU Honor Code (http://www.jmu.edu/honor/) applies to all aspects of this course.
It is expected that students will maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. Studying and working with
other students on homework assignments is encouraged. However, the written work that you turn in should be
representative of your understanding of the material at hand. Do not misrepresent the work that you turn in as
your own work if it is not.
Tentative Schedule:
1/12-1/16
Introduction to symmetry and point groups
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 3 pp 46-62
1/21-1/23
Introduction to symmetry and point groups (cont)
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 3 pp 46-62
1/26-1/30
Atomic structure and periodic properties
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 2
2/2-2/6
Atomic structure and periodic properties
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 2
First Hour Exam 2/6, Friday
2/9-2/13
Ionic compounds and ionic bonding
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 4
2/16-2/20
Ionic compounds and ionic bonding
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 4
2/23-2/27
Covalent compounds and covalent bonding
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 5
3/2-3/6
Covalent compounds and covalent bonding
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 5
3/9-3/13
Spring Break
3/16-3/20
Covalent compounds and covalent bonding
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 6 pp 203-218
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2 Hour Exam 3/18, Wednesday
3/23-3/27
Coordination compounds
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 11 pp 387-413
3/30-4/3
Coordination compounds
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapter 11 pp 387-413
4/6-4/10
Coordination compounds
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapters 12, 13, and 14 – Selected Topics TBA
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3 Hour Exam 4/6, Monday
4/13-4/17
Coordination compounds
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapters 12, 13, and 14 – Selected Topics TBA
4/20-4/24
Organometallic chemistry
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapters 15 – Selected Topics TBA
4/27-5/1
Organometallic chemistry
Huheey, Keiter, and Keiter: Chapters 15 – Selected Topics TBA
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4 Hour Exam 5/1 Friday
5/8
ACS Inorganic Exam 8:00-10:00 am, 5/8, Friday
The instructor reserves the right to modify any aspect of this document as circumstances and judgment dictate.