Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry

Moving from basic concepts to systematic coverage of specific elements and compounds, this text uses the periodic table as a framework for understanding chemical properties and uncovering little recognized relationships between elements in different groups. The book also familiarizes students with the rich historical background of inorganic chemistry as well as with crucial applications, especially in regards to industrial processes and environmental issues. The revision addresses the greatest challenge people have in teaching the course: finding a way to unify the concepts taught. The new edition is thoroughly updated throughout. A new chapter on periodic trends ties together ideas and concepts in descriptive chemistry. Features include: emphasis on trends across the periodic table; significant attention to industrial processes; end-of-chapter review questions for students to compare and contrast properties of various compounds; boxes which highlight interesting, little known facts about chemicals and chemists; "Beyond the Basics" problems requiring critical thinking, have been added at the ends of chapters, to help lecturers make their courses more challenging and less memory-based; element reaction flow charts at the end of each descriptive chapter to help students recall the large number and wide variety of chemical reactions and see how they are related; and eight full-colour applications-based features, plus additional discussions on topics in materials science, atmospheric chemistry, industrial chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry.