I need to learn inorganic chemistry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the need for resources to learn inorganic chemistry, particularly for someone with a basic understanding of chemistry who seeks to build a foundation for further studies in electrochemistry and polymer chemistry. Participants share recommendations for textbooks and express their views on the relationship between these topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a book that covers the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry while also providing a foundation for electrochemistry and polymer chemistry.
  • Another participant argues that inorganic, polymer, and electrochemistry are distinct subjects and suggests starting with a general chemistry textbook before moving on to specialized texts.
  • A recommendation is made for "Inorganic Chemistry" by Shriver, Atkins, Langford as a comprehensive resource for inorganic chemistry.
  • One participant reflects on the basics of chemistry needed to understand bonding types and reaction energies, indicating a desire for foundational knowledge.
  • Another participant mentions using "Housecroft - Inorganic Chemistry" and found it satisfactory.
  • A participant notes that they may need to start from the beginning due to forgotten chemistry concepts and mentions purchasing a textbook despite its poor reviews.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for foundational knowledge in chemistry but have differing views on the best resources and the feasibility of finding a single book that covers all three topics adequately.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific textbooks and their perceived effectiveness, but there is no consensus on a single resource that meets all needs. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with chemistry concepts and the challenges of selecting appropriate learning materials.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking to improve their understanding of inorganic chemistry and its applications in electrochemistry and polymer chemistry, particularly those with a basic chemistry background.

Topher925
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My knowledge (or lack of it) when it comes to inorganic chemistry is starting to slow down my understanding of some topics related to my research. I know the basics of chemistry, just about what you would learn in an intro chem course but that's it. I'm looking for a book that can teach me the more of the fundamentals of inorganic chem but also something that will set me up with a foundation to learn electrochemistry and polymer chemistry. Anyone have any recommendations?
 
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Well.. Gee. Inorganic, polymer and electrochem are pretty much as different as subjects get in chemistry.
You're not going to find any book that'll cover all those three topics in detail. Get a general chemistry textbook (e.g. "Chemistry-Molecules, matter and change", Jones & Atkins).

If you know all that, or once you do, you can go on to textbooks for the other three. I'd recommend "Inorganic Chemistry" by Shriver, Atkins, Langford for that subject. It's not a very exciting textbook, but it's got pretty much everything in it so it's the only inorganic book most chemists would ever need.
(And I'd really like to know who borrowed my copy and didn't return it.. Grr.)
 
I figured I wasn't going to find anything that covered all three, but I just wanted something that will give the be basis to learn about electro and polymer chemistry. Things like bonding types, how to calculate reaction energies, etc. I'll check out your recommendations and hopefully they have international editions.
 
Topher925 said:
I figured I wasn't going to find anything that covered all three, but I just wanted something that will give the be basis to learn about electro and polymer chemistry. Things like bonding types, how to calculate reaction energies, etc. I'll check out your recommendations and hopefully they have international editions.

That sounds like first year chemistry. I took first year organic chemistry as a graduate student (not for credit, and basically for access to the labs)
 
Housecroft - Inorganic Chemistry is what I used. It wasn't bad.
 
While reading some of these text previews I think I'm better off just starting from the beginning. I didn't realize how much I have forgotten about chemistry.

Alxm, I found the book your recommended on https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_...+matter+and+change&x=0&y=0"&tag=pfamazon01-20 and while it has terrible reviews, its so cheap I think I have no choice but to purchase it. Hopefully, it will get me up to speed quickly.
 
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