Descriptive Inorganic, Coordination and Solid State Chemistry

This class-tested text introduces the basics of coordination, solid state, and descriptive main-group chemistry in a uniquely accessible manner, featuring a "less is better than more" approach. The approach offers instructors the opportunity to build upon and present concepts and applications that they find particularly important and fascinating. Consistent with the philosophy that less is better than more, this book does not contain traditional chapters reviewing or expanding on atomic and molecular structure and other topics previously and adequately developed in most introductory courses. As a result, the book moves directly into the presentation of topics central to inorganic chemistry. Written for students, with a conversational prose that is enjoyable and easy to understand, this book presents not only the basic theories and methods of inorganic chemistry (in three self-standing sections), but also a great deal of the history and the applications of the discipline. The author's presentation does not assume prerequisites of organic or physical chemistry.

Table of Contents:
Preface. 1. The Evolving Realm of Inorganic Chemistry. PART A: COORDINATION CHEMISTRY. 2. An Introduction to Coordination Chemistry. The Historical Perspective. The History of Coordination Compounds. The Modern View of Coordination Compounds. An Introduction to the Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds. 3. Structures of Coordination Compounds. Stereoisomers. Octahedral Coordination Spheres. Square Planar Coordination Spheres. Tetrahedral Coordination Spheres. Other Coordination Spheres. Structural Isomers. 4. Bonding Theories for Coordination Compounds. Early Bonding Theories. The Crystal Field Theory. Consequences and Applications of Crystal Field Splitting. 5. Rates and Mechanisms of Reactions of Coordination Compounds. A Brief Survey of Reaction Types. Labile and Inert Coordination Compounds. Substitution Reactions of Octahedral Complexes. Redox or Electron Transfer Reactions. Substitution Reactions in Square Planar Complexes: The Kinetic Trans Effect. 6. Applications of Coordination Compounds. Applications of Monodentate Complexes. Two Keys to the Stability of Transition Metal Complexes. Application of Multidentate Complexes. Chelating Agents as Coordination Chemistry. PART B: SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY. 7. Solid State Structures. Types of Crystals. A-type Crystal Lattices. ABn-type Crystal Lattices. Structures Involving Polyatomic Molecules and Ions. Defect Structures. Spinel Structures: Connecting Crystal Field Effects with Solid State Structures. 8. Solid State Energetics. Lattice Energy: A Theoretical Evaluation. Lattice Energy: Thermodynamic Cycles. Lattices Energies and Ionic Radii: Connecting Crystal Field Effects with Solid State Energetics. Part C. Descriptive Chemistry of the Representative Elements. PART C: DESCRIPTIVE CHEMISTRY OF THE REPRESENTATIVE ELEMENTS. 9. Building a Network of Ideas to Make Sense of the Periodic Table. The Periodic Law. The Uniqueness Principle. The Diagonal Effect. The Inert Pair Effect. Metal, Non-Metal, and Metalloid Regions. 10. Hydrogen and Hydrides. The Origin of the Elements (and of Us!). The Discovery, Preparation, and Uses of Hydrogen. Isotopes of Hydrogen. Radioactive Processes Involving Hydrogen. Hydrides and the Network. The Role of Hydrogen in Various Alternative Energy Sources. 11. Oxygen, Aqueous Solutions, and the Acid Base Character of Oxides and Hydroxides. Oxygen. Water and Aqueous Solutions. The Acid-Base Character of Oxides and Hydroxides in Aqueous Solution. The Relative Strengths of Oxo- and Hydroacids in Aqueous Solution. Ozone. The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming. 12. Group 1A: The Alkali Metals. Discovery and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. Reduction Potentials and the Network. Peroxides and Superoxides. Reactions and Compounds of Practical Importance. Selected Topic in Depth: Metal-Ammonia Solutions. 13.Group 2A: The Alkaline Earth Metals. Discover and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. Reactions and Compounds of Practical Importance. Selected Topic in Depth: The Commercial Uses of Calcium Compounds. 14.The Group 3A: Elements. Discovery and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. Structural Aspects of Boron Chemistry. Aluminum, Gallium, Indium, and Thallium?Reaction and Compounds of Practical Importance. Selected Topic in Depth: Electron-Deficient Compounds. 15. The Group 4A Elements. Discovery and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. An Eighth Component of the Interconnected Network: pi-dpi Bonding Involving Elements of the Second and Third Periods. Reactions and Compounds of Practical Importance. Silicates, Silica, and Aluminosilicates. Selected Topics in Depth: Semiconductors and Glass. 16. Group 5A: The Pnicogens. Discovery and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. A Survey of Nitrogen Oxidation States. Reactions and Compounds of Practical Importance. Selected Topic in Depth: Photochemical Smog. 17. Sulfur, Selenium, Tellurium, and Polonium. Discovery and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. Allotropes and Compounds Involving Element-Element Bonds. The Sulfur Nitrides. Reactions and Compounds of Practical Importance. Selected Topic in Depth: Acid Rain. 18. The Halogens. Discovery and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. Oxoacids and Their Salts. Neutral and Ionic Interhalogens. Reactions and Compounds of Practical Importance. Selected Topic in Depth. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): A Threat to the Ozone Layer. 19. Group 8A: The Noble Gases. Discovery and Isolation of the Elements. Fundamental Properties and the Network. Compounds of Noble Gases. Physical Properties and Elements of Practical Importance. Selected Topic in Depth: Radon as a Carcinogen. Index.