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9. Garland, C. W.; Nibler, J. W.; Shoemaker, D. P. (2003), Experiments in Physical Chemistry,
8th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York

Chem.221 Chemistry of s-and p-Block Elements 3+1

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this course are as follows:
• To develop the general principles of metallurgy and s-, p-block elements.
• To introduce the terms minerals, ores, concentration, benefaction, calcination, roasting,
refining, etc. and explain the principles of oxidation and reduction as applied to the
extraction procedures.
• To make students ware of different methods of purification of metals, such as electrolytic,
oxidative refining, VanArkel-De Boer process and Mond‘s process are discussed and
applications of thermodynamic concepts like that of Gibbs energy and entropy to the
extraction of metals.
• To familiarize students with the patterns and trends exhibited by s- and p-block elements
and their compounds with emphasis on synthesis, structure, bonding and uses.
• To impart information about the fundamentals of internal and external redox indicators,
and iodometric/iodimetric titrations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By studying this course, students will be able to:
• Learn the fundamental principles of metallurgy and understand the importance of recovery
of by-products during extraction.
• Applications of thermodynamic concepts like that of Gibbs energy and
• entropy to the principles of extraction of metals.
• Learn about the characteristics of s- and p- block elements as well as the synthesis,
structure, bonding, and uses of their compounds
• Understand the concept and use of internal and external redox indicators
• Comprehend the theory and application of iodometric and iodimetric titrimetric analysis

THEORY (45 Hours.)

UNIT-I: General Principles of Metallurgy (6 Hours)

Chief modes of occurrence of metals based on standard electrode potentials. Ellingham diagrams
for reduction of metal oxides using carbon and carbon monoxide as reducing agent. Electrolytic
Reduction, Hydrometallurgy with reference to cyanide process for silver and gold. Methods of
purification of metals: Electrolytic process, Van Arkel-De Boer process, Zone refining. Brief
discussion of metals and alloys used in ancient and medieval India.
UNIT- II: Chemistry of s- Block Elements (15 Hours)

General characteristics: melting point, flame colouration, reducing nature, diagonal relationships
and anomalous behavior of first member of each group. Reactions of alkali and alkaline earth
metals with oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and water.
Common features such as ease of formation, thermal stability, energetics of dissolution, and
solubility of the following alkali and alkaline earth metal compounds: hydrides, oxides, peroxides,
superoxides, carbonates, nitrates, sulphates.
Complex formation tendency of s-block elements; structure of the following complexes: crown
ethers and cryptates of Group I; basic beryllium acetate, beryllium nitrate, EDTA complexes of
calcium and magnesium. Solutions of alkali metals in liquid ammonia and their properties

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