1.1 Why We Need Quantum Mechanics
Before 1900 (classical physics), scientists believed:
- Electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun
- Energy can have any value (continuous)
- We can know exactly where a particle is and how fast it moves
A comprehensive study guide — from first principles to exam mastery.
Diploma in Chemical Dynamics and Analytical Techniques.
de-Broglie waves, Heisenberg uncertainty, Schrödinger equation, quantum numbers, orbital shapes, Aufbau & Pauli principles
Before 1900 (classical physics), scientists believed:
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| λ (lambda) | Wavelength of the particle | metres (m) |
| h | Planck's constant = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s | J·s |
| m | Mass of the particle | kg |
| v | Velocity of the particle | m/s |
| p | Momentum (= m × v) | kg·m/s |
An electron (m = 9.1 × 10⁻³¹ kg) moving at v = 10⁶ m/s:
$$\lambda = \frac{h}{mv} = \frac{6.626 \times 10^{-34}}{9.1 \times 10^{-31} \times 10^6} = 7.28 \times 10^{-10} \text{ m} \approx 0.728 \text{ Å}$$
This is comparable to atomic dimensions, so electron diffraction is observable!
An orbital is a 3D region around the nucleus where the probability of finding an electron is maximum (typically 90-95% boundary).
| Feature | Orbit (Bohr) ❌ | Orbital (Quantum) ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | 2D (circular path) | 3D (probability cloud) |
| Shape | Always circular | s, p, d, f — various |
| Max electrons | 2n² | 2 per orbital |
| Precision | Exact path known | Only probability known |
Erwin Schrödinger combined de-Broglie's matter wave concept, classical wave equation, and energy conservation to create the most important equation in quantum mechanics.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ĥ | Hamiltonian operator (total energy operator) |
| Ψ (psi) | Wave function |
| E | Total energy of the system |
| V | Potential energy |
| ∇² | Laplacian operator |
Total probability of finding electron somewhere = 1 (100%)
Quantum numbers are the "address" of an electron in an atom. There are four:
| Quantum No. | Symbol | What it tells | Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal | n | Shell / energy level | 1, 2, 3, ... |
| Azimuthal | l | Subshell / shape | 0 to (n−1) |
| Magnetic | ml | Orientation | −l to +l |
| Spin | ms | Spin direction | +½ or −½ |
| l value | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subshell | s | p | d | f |
| Shape | Spherical | Dumbbell | Cloverleaf | Complex |
| Orbitals | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Orbital | n | l | Radial nodes | Angular nodes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1s | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2s | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2p | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 3s | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 3d | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Lower (n+l) fills first. Same (n+l) → lower n fills first.
Reason: Less electron repulsion + exchange energy stabilization. Multiplicity = 2S + 1; higher multiplicity = more stable.
Black-body radiation, Planck's law, photoelectric effect, Bohr's model, Compton effect, Hamiltonian, particle in a box, H-atom, MO theory
A black body absorbs all radiation and emits based only on temperature.
| Theory | Prediction | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wien's Law | Correct at short λ, fails at long λ | ❌ Partial |
| Rayleigh-Jeans | Correct at long λ, predicts infinite energy at short λ! | ❌ "Ultraviolet Catastrophe" |
n = integer, h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s, ν = frequency
This was the birth of quantum theory. Correctly predicts the entire black-body spectrum.
Light of sufficient frequency on a metal surface → electrons are ejected.
| Observation | Classical? |
|---|---|
| Below threshold ν₀ → NO electrons regardless of intensity | ❌ |
| Above ν₀ → electrons emitted instantly | ❌ |
| KE depends on FREQUENCY, not intensity | ❌ |
| More intensity → more electrons (not faster) | ❌ |
W = hν₀ = work function; one photon ejects one electron
Classical (Dulong-Petit): Cv = 3R ≈ 25 J/(mol·K) — works at high T, fails at low T.
Einstein's Model (1907): Atoms as quantum harmonic oscillators — at low T, atoms can't absorb even one quantum → Cv drops.
Debye's improvement: Cv ∝ T³ at very low temperatures (Debye T³ law).
| Series | To n = | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Lyman | 1 | Ultraviolet |
| Balmer | 2 | Visible |
| Paschen | 3 | Infrared |
| Brackett | 4 | Far infrared |
| Pfund | 5 | Far infrared |
X-rays scattered by electrons have a longer wavelength than incident X-rays — photon transfers energy to electron.
Compton wavelength = h/(mec) = 0.02426 Å
The Hamiltonian represents total energy (kinetic + potential):
The Schrödinger equation is simply: $\hat{H}\Psi = E\Psi$ — an eigenvalue equation.
Setup: Mass m confined between x = 0 and x = L. V = 0 inside, V = ∞ outside.
| Feature | Classical | Quantum |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Any value | Only specific values (quantized) |
| Min energy | E = 0 possible | E₁ = h²/(8mL²) > 0 (zero-point energy!) |
| Position probability | Equal everywhere | Depends on n |
Atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals (MOs) using the LCAO method (Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals).
| Property | σ | σ* | π | π* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formation | Head-on overlap | Head-on (subtract) | Lateral overlap | Lateral (subtract) |
| Node between nuclei | No | Yes | Nodal plane on axis | Yes |
| Energy | Low (bonding) | High (antibonding) | Intermediate | High |
| Stability | Stabilizing | Destabilizing | Stabilizing | Destabilizing |
For H₂⁺: Bond order = (1−0)/2 = 0.5 (half bond, weakest but exists!)
EM radiation, Born-Oppenheimer approximation, rotational & vibrational spectra, Raman spectroscopy, electronic spectrum
| Region | Wavelength | Transition | Spectroscopy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio | > 1 m | Nuclear spin | NMR |
| Microwave | 1 mm – 1 m | Molecular rotation | Rotational |
| Infrared | 700 nm – 1 mm | Molecular vibration | IR |
| Visible | 400 – 700 nm | Outer electron | UV-Vis |
| Ultraviolet | 10 – 400 nm | Outer electron | UV-Vis |
$E_{electronic} \gg E_{vibrational} \gg E_{rotational}$
| Type | Translational | Rotational | Vibrational |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear (N atoms) | 3 | 2 | 3N − 5 |
| Non-linear (N atoms) | 3 | 3 | 3N − 6 |
HCl (2 atoms, linear): 3(2)−5 = 1 mode | H₂O (3, non-linear): 3(3)−6 = 3 modes | CH₄ (5, non-linear): 3(5)−6 = 9 modes
B = h/(8π²Ic), I = μr², μ = m₁m₂/(m₁+m₂)
Absorption frequencies: $\tilde{\nu} = 2\tilde{B}(J+1)$ → equally spaced lines at 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B...
$N_J/N_0 = (2J+1) \cdot e^{-E_J/k_BT}$ → Intensity first increases, reaches max, then decreases.
Spacing = 2B → B → I = h/(8π²cB) → r = √(I/μ)
Real bonds stretch: $\tilde{E}_J = \tilde{B}J(J+1) - \tilde{D}J^2(J+1)^2$
Bond length stays same, reduced mass changes → B changes → lines shift. Heavier isotope → smaller B → closer lines.
| Bond | k (N/m) |
|---|---|
| C−C | ~500 |
| C=C | ~1000 |
| C≡C | ~1500 |
Stronger bond → higher k → higher frequency
k stays same, μ changes → heavier isotope → lower frequency (e.g., HCl: 2886 cm⁻¹ vs DCl: 2091 cm⁻¹)
How easily the electron cloud is distorted by an electric field: $\vec{p}_{induced} = \alpha\vec{E}$
| Type | Frequency | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Rayleigh (most) | Same (ν₀) | Elastic scattering |
| Stokes | Lower (ν₀ − νvib) | Molecule gains energy |
| Anti-Stokes | Higher (ν₀ + νvib) | Molecule loses energy |
| Feature | IR | Raman |
|---|---|---|
| Requires | Dipole change | Polarizability change |
| H₂, O₂, N₂ | ❌ Inactive | ✅ Active |
| Rot. selection | ΔJ = ±1 | ΔJ = 0, ±2 |
Mutual Exclusion: For molecules with center of symmetry — IR active ↔ Raman inactive, and vice versa.
Electronic transitions, chromophores, auxochromes, Woodward Rules, Beer-Lambert law
UV-Vis light promotes electrons from lower to higher energy orbitals.
A = absorbance, ε = molar absorptivity (L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹), c = concentration, l = path length
| Transition | Energy | λ Range | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| n → π* | Lowest | 270-350 nm | C=O in acetone (~280) |
| π → π* | Moderate | 200-500 nm | C=C, aromatics |
| n → σ* | High | 150-250 nm | −OH, −NH₂ |
| σ → σ* | Highest | < 150 nm | C−C, C−H |
Group that absorbs UV-Vis radiation
Examples: C=C, C=O, N=N, NO₂, benzene
Group that enhances absorption when attached to chromophore
Examples: −OH, −NH₂, −OR, −Cl
| Term | Meaning | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Bathochromic (Red) Shift | λmax → longer λ | Conjugation, auxochromes |
| Hypsochromic (Blue) Shift | λmax → shorter λ | Removing conjugation |
| Hyperchromic | ε increases | — |
| Hypochromic | ε decreases | — |
| Diene Type | Base Value (nm) |
|---|---|
| Acyclic / Open-chain | 217 |
| Homoannular (both C=C in same ring) | 253 |
| Heteroannular (C=C in different rings) | 214 |
| Feature | Add (nm) |
|---|---|
| Each additional conjugated C=C | +30 |
| Each alkyl substituent / ring residue on C=C | +5 |
| Each exocyclic double bond | +5 |
| −OR (alkoxy) | +6 |
| −Cl, −Br | +5 |
| −SR (thioether) | +30 |
Base (acyclic): 217 + 2 alkyl groups (2 × 5) = 10 → λmax = 227 nm (Observed: 226 ✅)
| Property | trans-Stilbene | cis-Stilbene |
|---|---|---|
| λmax | 295 nm | 280 nm |
| εmax | 29,000 | 13,500 |
| Planarity | More planar | Non-planar (steric strain) |
Molecular vibrations, Hooke's law, functional group frequencies, effects on IR positions, fingerprint region
Overtones (Δv = 2,3...), Combination bands (ν₁ + ν₂), Hot bands (from excited states)
| Compound | ν̃ (cm⁻¹) |
|---|---|
| Acid anhydride | 1800-1850 & 1740-1790 (two bands!) |
| Acid chloride | 1790-1815 |
| Ester | 1735-1750 |
| Aldehyde | 1720-1740 |
| Ketone | 1705-1725 |
| Carboxylic acid | 1700-1725 |
| Amide | 1630-1690 |
| Group | ν̃ (cm⁻¹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| O−H (free) | 3610-3640 | Sharp |
| O−H (H-bonded) | 3200-3550 | Broad |
| O−H (COOH) | 2500-3300 | Very broad |
| N−H (−NH₂) | 3350-3500 | Two bands |
| N−H (−NH) | 3310-3350 | One band |
| C−H (sp³) | 2850-3000 | Below 3000 |
| C−H (sp²) | 3000-3100 | Above 3000 |
| C≡N | 2200-2260 | Sharp, characteristic |
| C≡C | 2100-2260 | Weak-medium |
Weakens O−H/N−H → lower ν̃, broader band
Delocalizes C=O electrons → lower ν̃
Acetone: 1715 → Acetophenone: 1690 cm⁻¹
Smaller ring → more strain → higher ν̃
6-ring: 1715 → 5-ring: 1745 → 4-ring: 1780
The region below 1500 cm⁻¹ — unique pattern for each compound, like a fingerprint.
O−H, N−H, C−H, C=O, C≡N → identify functional groups
Complex pattern → identify specific compound
Nuclear spin, chemical shift, shielding/deshielding, spin coupling, coupling constant, Pascal's triangle, spectra interpretation
NMR studies atomic nuclei behavior in a strong magnetic field under radio-frequency radiation.
¹H has spin I = ½ → two orientations in a magnetic field → energy gap = hν
| Condition | I | Active? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both p, n even | 0 | ❌ | ¹²C, ¹⁶O |
| Mass number odd | ½, 3/2... | ✅ | ¹H, ¹³C |
Tetramethylsilane (CH₃)₄Si: 12 equivalent H's, single sharp peak, set to δ = 0, inert, volatile, soluble.
| Proton Type | δ (ppm) |
|---|---|
| R−CH₃ (alkane) | 0.8-1.0 |
| R₂CH₂ (alkane) | 1.2-1.4 |
| −CO−CH₃ (ketone) | 2.0-2.5 |
| −O−CH₃ (methoxy) | 3.3-3.5 |
| C=C−H (vinyl) | 4.5-6.5 |
| Ar−H (aromatic) | 6.5-8.0 |
| R−CHO (aldehyde) | 9.0-10.0 |
| R−COOH | 10.0-12.0 |
Towards TMS (right), lower δ
High electron density around proton
Away from TMS (left), higher δ
Electronegative neighbors, π bonds, ring current
| Compound | δ of CH₃ |
|---|---|
| CH₃−H | 0.23 |
| CH₃−Cl | 3.05 |
| CH₃−OH | 3.40 |
| CH₃−F | 4.26 |
Aromatic π-electrons circulate → create induced field → protons outside ring are deshielded (δ 6.5-8.0).
| Lines | Name | Abbr | Intensity (Pascal's △) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singlet | s | 1 |
| 2 | Doublet | d | 1:1 |
| 3 | Triplet | t | 1:2:1 |
| 4 | Quartet | q | 1:3:3:1 |
| 5 | Quintet | quin | 1:4:6:4:1 |
| 6 | Sextet | sext | 1:5:10:10:5:1 |
| 7 | Septet | sept | 1:6:15:20:15:6:1 |
Distance between lines in a multiplet. J is field-independent. JAB = JBA.
| Type | J (Hz) |
|---|---|
| Vicinal (free rotation) | 6-8 |
| cis-alkene | 6-12 |
| trans-alkene | 12-18 |
| Aromatic (ortho) | 6-10 |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| −CH₃ | 1.18 | Triplet | 3H |
| −CH₂− | 3.69 | Quartet | 2H |
| −OH | 2.61 | Singlet (variable) | 1H |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both −CH₃ | 2.17 | Singlet | 6H |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| −CH₃ | 2.21 | Doublet | 3H |
| −CHO | 9.80 | Quartet | 1H |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| −CO−CH₃ | 2.04 | Singlet | 3H |
| −O−CH₂− | 4.12 | Quartet | 2H |
| −CH₃ | 1.26 | Triplet | 3H |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| −CH₃ | 2.36 | Singlet | 3H |
| Ar−H | 7.17 | Multiplet | 5H |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| −CHO | 10.0 | Singlet | 1H |
| Ar−H | 7.4-7.9 | Multiplet | 5H |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| −OH | ~5-6 | Broad singlet | 1H |
| Ar−H | 6.7-7.3 | Multiplet | 5H |
| Group | δ | Splitting | H |
|---|---|---|---|
| −N(CH₃)₂ | 2.88 & 2.97 | Two singlets (hindered rotation!) | 3H+3H |
| −CHO | 8.02 | Singlet | 1H |
Principle, molecular ion, metastable ion, fragmentation, McLafferty rearrangement
Measures mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of ions. Process:
$M + e^- \rightarrow M^{+\cdot} + 2e^-$ (radical cation)
Isotope patterns: M+2 peaks for Cl (³⁷Cl), Br (⁸¹Br), S (³⁴S) — helps identify these elements.
Broad, diffuse peaks at non-integer m/z. Ion fragments during flight.
Confirms m₁⁺ directly produces m₂⁺. Example: 100 → 72: m* = 72²/100 = 51.84
| Loss (m/z) | Fragment Lost |
|---|---|
| 15 | CH₃· |
| 17 | OH· or NH₃ |
| 18 | H₂O |
| 28 | CO or C₂H₄ |
| 29 | CHO· or C₂H₅· |
| 43 | CH₃CO· (acetyl) |
| 44 | CO₂ |
| 77 | C₆H₅· (phenyl) |
γ-hydrogen migrates to C=O oxygen through a 6-membered cyclic transition state. The α−β bond breaks. A neutral alkene is lost.
Occurs in: ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, esters, amides.
Solvent extraction (batch, continuous, counter-current), chromatography (adsorption, partition, ion exchange, development methods)
Separates compounds by different solubilities in two immiscible liquids.
qn = fraction remaining in aqueous phase. Multiple small extractions > one large!
"Like dissolves like" — non-polar solutes into non-polar solvents
Metal ions form neutral chelates (complexes) → soluble in organic solvents
Agents: oxine, DMG, dithizone, acetylacetone
| Type | Method | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Batch | Shake in separating funnel, repeat | Simple, common |
| Continuous | Solvent recycled continuously | Works with small KD |
| Counter-current | Multiple stages, opposite flow | Excellent separation |
Separation based on differential distribution between stationary and mobile phases.
Solute adsorbs on solid surface. More polar = stronger adsorption.
Activity: Al₂O₃ > SiO₂ > Charcoal
Solute distributes between two liquid phases based on solubility.
Used in paper chromatography.
Ions exchanged on charged resin.
Cation resin (−SO₃⁻) attracts cations. Anion resin attracts anions.
| Feature | Frontal | Elution ✅ | Displacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample amount | Large (continuous) | Small | Small |
| Eluent | Sample itself | Pure solvent | Displacer |
| Pure components? | Only first | All | Difficult (overlap) |
| Gaps between bands | No | Yes | No |
| Most used? | Rarely | Yes ✅ | Sometimes |
All essential formulas in one place for quick revision
| Formula | Context |
|---|---|
| $\lambda = h/mv$ | de-Broglie wavelength |
| $\Delta x \cdot \Delta p \geq h/4\pi$ | Heisenberg uncertainty |
| $E = h\nu$ | Energy of photon |
| $KE = h\nu - h\nu_0$ | Photoelectric effect |
| $E_n = -13.6\,Z^2/n^2$ eV | Bohr energy levels |
| $\Delta\lambda = \frac{h}{m_ec}(1-\cos\theta)$ | Compton effect |
| $\hat{H}\Psi = E\Psi$ | Schrödinger equation |
| $\Psi_n = \sqrt{2/L}\sin(n\pi x/L)$ | Particle in box — ψ |
| $E_n = n^2h^2/(8mL^2)$ | Particle in box — E |
| Bond Order $= (N_b - N_a)/2$ | MO theory |
| $\tilde{E}_J = \tilde{B}J(J+1)$ | Rotational energy |
| $E_v = (v+\tfrac{1}{2})h\nu_0$ | Vibrational energy |
| $\bar{\nu} = \frac{1}{2\pi c}\sqrt{k/\mu}$ | Vibrational frequency |
| $A = \varepsilon c l$ | Beer-Lambert law |
| $\delta = (\nu - \nu_{TMS})/\nu_0 \times 10^6$ | Chemical shift (NMR) |
| $m^* = m_2^2/m_1$ | Metastable ion |
| $K_D = C_{org}/C_{aq}$ | Distribution coefficient |
| $R_f = d_{solute}/d_{solvent}$ | Chromatography |