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Analytical Chemistry is the science of making measurements, which can range from classical wet methods, qualitative sample identification, to advanced instrumentation. This text is designed for second-year sophomore students to gain a basic understanding of aqueous chemical equilibria and the principles underlying the most common instrumental methods in chemistry.

Even after completing general chemistry, many students still rely on memorizing algorithmic formulas to solve problems. The textbook chapters include numerous sample calculations to serve as models and end-of-chapter exercises for student practice. Appropriate places in each chapter refer students to you-try-it spreadsheets. These provide realistic calculations and are integrated within the chapter topics. Step-by-step guides provide guidance to complete these spreadsheet exercises.


The format of the text is designed to:

  • focus on the most important core concepts of analytical chemistry, equilibria, and instrumentation

  • provide a more affordable textbook compared to current offerings

  • be completed in one semester

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Pedagogical Approach

Part I: Reactions that go to completion.
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Analytical Measurements
Chapter 2 - Sample Preparation, Extractions, and Chromatography
Chapter 3 - Classical Methods
Chapter 4 - Molecular Spectroscopy (UV/Vis and fluorescence)


Part II: Reactions that do not go to completion: Equilibria in aqueous solutions.
Chapter 5 - Acid-Base Equilibria and Activity
Chapter 6 - Buffer Solutions and Polyprotic Acids
Chapter 7 - Metal-Ligand Complexation

Chapter 8 - Precipitation Equilibria


Part III: Introduction to instrumentation.
Chapter 9 - Redox and Electroanalytical Chemistry
Chapter 10 - Atomic Spectrometry

Chapter 11 - Molecular Structure Determination
Chapter 12 - Analytical Separations

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Organization of the Text
Second Edition Changes

  • Corrected numerous typographical errors.

  • Reorganized discussion of some stationary phases to clarify their use in sample preparation and analytical separations.

  • Added lateral flow assays to Chapter 7.

  • Added discussion of lead and arsenic in drinking water to Chapter 8.

  • Added new chapter on molecular structure determination with FTIR, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy.

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Having taught analytical topics at the freshman through graduate levels, I've tried to construct a sophomore-level text that is focused on core concepts and can be completed in one semester. My broad goals are twofold:

  • convey foundational concepts of quantitative analysis

  • develop student problem-solving skills

  • convey the terminology of the most common chemical instrumental methods

Concepts that I consider foundational include proper data handling, wet-chemical methods for sample preparation and analysis, an understanding of sample chemistry before and during analysis, i.e., simultaneous chemical equilibria, and basic principles of instrumental methods. Many of these topics follow directly from general chemistry, but build in complexity. In Bloom's taxonomy the course pushes students away from the recall of facts to application and synthesis. A key outcome on completing this course is that a student will be able to follow analytical protocols and know why the various steps are necessary to achieve accurate results.

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Outcomes
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Advice to Students

To become adept at any endeavor, sports, music, crafts, we all must practice. There is no substitute for time on task.

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