This textbook serves as a comprehensive English translation of the sixth edition of Fondamenti di Chimica and has been significantly expanded to introduce undergraduate students to the fundamental principles of chemistry. In addition to core topics, it also addresses chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, nuclear and organic chemistry, biochemistry, the chemistry of main-group elements, and transition-metal complexes with their applications in medicinal chemistry. Importantly, the text also provides an extensive discussion of chemistry and the environment, as well as the relevance of symmetry properties in chemistry. Significantly, the contents highlight the connections between chemistry and such fields as medicine, industry, and environmental science. Chapters are so structured to also support use in advanced courses. Through clear writing, detailed illustrations, and solved examples, the authors present the material in an accessible and practical manner. The book fosters problem-solving skills and enhances students understanding of the significance of chemistry in daily life and scientific advancement.
Atomic Nature of Matter: Historical Perspective.- Structure of the
Atom.- The Periodic System.- Chemical Bonding: Part I.- Chemical Bonding:
Part II.- Oxidation Numbers, Nomenclature and Chemical Reactions. The Gaseous
State.- Chemical Thermodynamic: First Law and Thermochemistry.- Chemical
Thermodynamics: Entropy and Free Energy.- THE Solid State.- The Liquid State:
Changes in Single-Component Systems.- Systems with Two of More Components:
Part I.- Systems with Two or More Components: Part II.- Chemical Kinetics.-
Chemical Equilibrium: Part I.- Chemical Equilibrium: Part II.-
Electrochemistry.- Elements of Nuclear Chemistry.- Elements of Inorganic
Chemistry Part I: Main Group Elements.- Elements of Inorganic Chemistry Part
II: Transition Metals.- Elements of Organic Chemistry.- Elements of
Biochemistry.- Chemistry And Our Environment.- Molecular Symmetry and Group
Theory.- Appendices.
Prof. Nick Serpone is a distinguished physical inorganic chemist and internationally recognized pioneer in photocatalysis, photochemistry, and environmental remediation, with a career spanning more than five decades. He earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1968 and has since held major academic positions, including years as Professor (1968-1998), University Research Professor (1998-2004), and Professor Emeritus (since 2000) at Concordia University, Professore a contratto at the University of Pavia in the program Rientro dei Cervelli (2002-2005), Visiting Professor at several leading institutions worldwide, and Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation (19982001). Elected a Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences (2010) and Head of its Materials Science Division (2014-2020), he has co-authored over 525 scientific papers and co-authored/co edited numerous books (18). His research has significantly advanced the understanding of Heterogeneous Photocatalysis, semiconductor photophysics, photochemistry of transition metal complexes and sunscreen products, and in the last 2 decades microwave assisted chemical processes. He has collaborated extensively with international research groups, served on high level national and international scientific committees and panels, contributed to IUPAC terminology, and co holds patents related to photocatalyst sensitization, establishing him as a central figure in modern photochemical sciences. Prof. Leonardo Palmisano is a distinguished chemist known internationally for his contributions to photocatalysis, catalysis, and inorganic chemistry. After earning a Chemistry degree with highest honours from the University of Palermo in 1973, he advanced through research roles before becoming a Full Professor of Chemistry at the same university in 2000. His career includes extensive international collaborations, visiting professorships in the UK, Germany, and Japan, and leadership of numerous national and international research projects, including European Unionfunded work at the Plataforma Solar de Almería. A fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and member of the Italian and American Chemical Societies, he has published over 400 scientific papers, contributed to textbooks such as Fondamenti di Chimica, edited a book on wastewater treatment, and holds five patents. His most cited works focus on titanium dioxide photocatalysts, photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation, and the role of photocatalysis in organic chemistry, establishing him as a leading figure in heterogeneous photocatalysis and related areas.
