Page 13 - Modern Analytical Chemistry

1400-Fm 9/9/99 7:38 AM Page xii

Preface Preface

As currently taught, the introductory course in analytical chemistry emphasizes
quantitative (and sometimes qualitative) methods of analysis coupled with a heavy
dose of equilibrium chemistry. Analytical chemistry, however, is more than equilib-
rium chemistry and a collection of analytical methods; it is an approach to solving
chemical problems. Although discussing different methods is important, that dis-
cussion should not come at the expense of other equally important topics. The intro-
ductory analytical course is the ideal place in the chemistry curriculum to explore
topics such as experimental design, sampling, calibration strategies, standardization,
optimization, statistics, and the validation of experimental results. These topics are
important in developing good experimental protocols, and in interpreting experi-
mental results. If chemistry is truly an experimental science, then it is essential that
all chemistry students understand how these topics relate to the experiments they
conduct in other chemistry courses.
Currently available textbooks do a good job of covering the diverse range of wet
and instrumental analysis techniques available to chemists. Although there is some
disagreement about the proper balance between wet analytical techniques, such as
gravimetry and titrimetry, and instrumental analysis techniques, such as spec-
trophotometry, all currently available textbooks cover a reasonable variety of tech-
niques. These textbooks, however, neglect, or give only brief consideration to,
obtaining representative samples, handling interferents, optimizing methods, ana-
lyzing data, validating data, and ensuring that data are collected under a state of sta-
tistical control.
In preparing this textbook, I have tried to find a more appropriate balance
between theory and practice, between “classical” and “modern” methods of analysis,
between analyzing samples and collecting and preparing samples for analysis, and
between analytical methods and data analysis. Clearly, the amount of material in this
textbook exceeds what can be covered in a single semester; it’s my hope, however,
that the diversity of topics will meet the needs of different instructors, while, per-
haps, suggesting some new topics to cover.
The anticipated audience for this textbook includes students majoring in chem-
istry, and students majoring in other science disciplines (biology, biochemistry,
environmental science, engineering, and geology, to name a few), interested in
obtaining a stronger background in chemical analysis. It is particularly appropriate
for chemistry majors who are not planning to attend graduate school, and who often
do not enroll in those advanced courses in analytical chemistry that require physical
chemistry as a pre-requisite. Prior coursework of a year of general chemistry is
assumed. Competence in algebra is essential; calculus is used on occasion, however,
its presence is not essential to the material’s treatment.

xii