Learning objectives
The objective of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the theoretical principles and practical applications related to the scientific methods utilised in the quality control of officinal plants and their derivatives.
Prerequisites
The Analytical Chemistry exam must be preceded by the General and Inorganic Chemistry exam.
Good knowledge of basic Organic Chemistry is also recommended.
Course unit content
* Evaluation of analytical data
Reproducibility of an analytical method. Types of error.
* Stoichiometric calculations
Means of expressing concentration. Solution of analytical problems.
* Technical and analytical scales
Theoretical principles. Capacity and sensitivity. Manual use.
* Gravimetric analysis
Theoretical principles. Gravimetric analysis operations. Extraction from vegetal drugs using solvents. Dry residue and that contained in ashes. Practical applications.
* Volumetric analysis
Theoretical principles. Correction factor. Measuring containers. Calibration of volumetric equipment. Preparation of titrated solutions.
* Acidimetry and alkalimetry
Acid and base strength. Dissociation constant. Neutralisation curves. Indicators and indicator choice. Practical applications. Index of acidity and saponification of fats.
* Oxidimetric findings
Theoretical principles. Practical applications. Fat iodine and peroxide index. Water calculation using the Karl-Fischer method.
* Complexometry
Theoretical principles. Indicators. Practical applications.
* Precipitimetric titrations
Theoretical principles. Practical applications.
* Determination of the alcohol content of a solution. Preparation of dilute alcohol solutions. Alcoholometric tables
* Chromatography
Theoretical principles. Chromatography using columns, paper, thin layer, thick layer, ion exchange, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography. Instruments. Practical applications.
* Polarimetry
Theoretical principles. Equipment. Practical applications.
* Potentiometry
Theoretical principles. Equipment. Practical applications.
* Refractometry
Theoretical principles. Equipment. Practical applications.
* Spectrophotometry
Theoretical principles. Infrared and ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry. Equipment. Practical applications.
Full programme
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Bibliography
CHRISTIAN G. D., Chimica Analitica, Casa Editrice Piccin, Padova.
SKOOG D. A., WEST D. M., Chimica Analitica Quantitativa, Edizioni SES, Napoli.
UGO R., Analisi Chimica Strumentale, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
AMANDOLA G., TERRENI V., Analisi Chimica Strumentale e Tecnica, Edizioni Masson, Milano.
MINISTERO DELLA SALUTE, Farmacopea Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana - XII E dizione, Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, Roma.
PELLE B., Il Manuale del Fitopreparatore, Studio Edizioni, Milano.
Teaching methods
Oral and practical lesson. Lectures include the use of audiovisual transparencies which are made available to students for study purposes. Lectures are supplemented by the presentation of equipment used to perform the analytical methods covered by the syllabus.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam. The final oral exam focuses on all of the topics included in the course syllabus. The student must demonstrate that he/she has understood the fundamental concepts for each topic and that he/she is able to apply them.
Other information
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