Inorganic chemistry – A Level AQA Chemistry revision notes

What this topic covers

Inorganic chemistry has 6 subtopics:

• Periodicity
• Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
• Group 7(17), the halogens
• Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)
• Transition metals (A-level only)
• Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only)

Inorganic chemistry lessons by subtopic

26 lessons, grouped by subtopic.

Periodicity

• s, p, d, f Block Elements: Learn how elements are classified into s, p, d, and f blocks on the Periodic Table based on their proton number and position.
• Period 3 Trends: Atomic Radius and Ionisation Energy: Explore the trends in atomic radius and first ionisation energy across Period 3, linking these trends to the underlying electronic structure.
• Period 3 Trends: Melting Points and Bonding: Examine the melting point trends in Period 3 elements, connecting these trends to their structure and bonding types (metallic, giant covalent, and simple molecular).

Group 2, the alkaline earth metals

• Group 2 Trends: Atomic Properties and Reactions: Explore the trends in atomic radius, ionisation energy, melting point and reactions with water in Group 2 elements (Mg-Ba).
• Group 2 Hydroxides: Solubility and Uses: Investigate the solubility of Group 2 hydroxides and their applications in medicine and agriculture.
• Group 2 Sulfates: Solubility, Testing, and Applications: Study the solubility trends of Group 2 sulfates, the use of barium chloride as a sulfate test, and the applications of barium sulfate in medicine.

Group 7(17), the halogens

• Chlorine Reactions with Water: Explore the reactions of chlorine with water, forming various ions and oxygen.
• Chlorine in Water Treatment: Examine the use of chlorine in water treatment, balancing benefits and risks.
• Chlorine and NaOH: Investigate the reaction of chlorine with cold, dilute NaOH, and explore the solution's uses.
• Halogen Trends: Electronegativity, Boiling Point & Oxidising Ability: Explore the trends in electronegativity, boiling point, and oxidising ability of the halogens down the group. Understand displacement reactions of halide ions.
• Halide Ions: Reducing Ability & Sulfuric Acid Reactions: Investigate the trend in reducing ability of halide ions, including their reactions with concentrated sulfuric acid.
• Identifying Halide Ions: Silver Nitrate & Ammonia Tests: Learn how to identify and distinguish between halide ions using acidified silver nitrate solution and ammonia, including trends in solubility.

Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)

• Period 3 Elements and Reactions with Oxygen and Water: Explore the reactions of Period 3 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S) with oxygen and water, including equation writing and pH of resulting solutions.
• Structure, Bonding, and Melting Points of Period 3 Oxides: Investigate the trends in melting points of Period 3 oxides (Na–S) and their reactions with acids and bases, linking properties to structure and bonding.
• Reactions of Period 3 Oxides with Water and Acid Formation: Examine the reactions of Period 3 oxides with water, including bonding types and the structures of acids and anions formed by P4O10, SO2, and SO3.

Transition metals (A-level only)

• Octahedral and Tetrahedral Complex Ions: Explore the formation and shapes of octahedral and tetrahedral complex ions, focusing on common ligands and examples.
• Isomerism in Complex Ions: Learn about cis-trans and optical isomerism in octahedral complexes, including examples with monodentate and bidentate ligands.
• Monodentate Ligand Exchange: Explore substitution reactions involving monodentate ligands such as H2O, NH3, and Cl-, focusing on ligand size, charge, coordination number changes, and incomplete substitutions.
• Multidentate Ligands and the Chelate Effect: Learn about bidentate and multidentate ligands, the chelate effect, and its thermodynamic origins. Investigate examples like EDTA4– and the replacement of monodentate ligands.
• Haemoglobin and Ligand Substitution: Examine the structure and function of haemoglobin, focusing on the role of haem and the binding of oxygen. Understand the toxicity of carbon monoxide in terms of ligand substitution.
• Introduction to Variable Oxidation States: Explore the concept of variable oxidation states in transition elements and the factors influencing redox potentials.
• Intro to Transition Metals & Complex Formation: Explore the fundamental properties of transition metals, focusing on complex formation and ligand interactions.
• Coloured Ions, Variable Oxidation States & Catalysis: Investigate the colourful nature of transition metal ions, their variable oxidation states, and their role as catalysts.

Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only)

• Metal Aqua Ions and Acidity: Explore the formation and acidity of metal aqua ions, focusing on the relationship between charge/size ratio and acidity.
• Reactions of Metal Ions with Bases: Investigate the reactions of M2+ (Fe and Cu) and M3+ (Al and Fe) ions with bases (OH–, NH3, and CO32–), including amphoteric character.
• Practical: Identifying Metal Ions in Solution: Carry out simple test-tube reactions to identify transition metal ions in aqueous solution (Required Practical 11).

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