Practical Chemistry for Jr. Engineers by Vinay Yadav is a comprehensive and application-oriented laboratory manual designed for 1st and 2nd semester Polytechnic / Diploma Engineering students. Published by Mahaveer Publications, this book provides a strong foundation in chemical principles through hands-on experiments that are essential for budding engineers.

The manual focuses on developing practical laboratory skills, scientific temper, and analytical abilities that are crucial in various fields of engineering and technology. It covers experiments from Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Applied/Industrial Chemistry, and essential laboratory techniques used in engineering sectors.

Each experiment is presented in a clear, structured, and student-friendly format, making it ideal for both classroom use and laboratory practice.

Chapter 1: Laboratory Discipline & Safety Precautions

• Introduction to laboratory rules

• Safety symbols and handling of chemicals

• Do's and don’ts in an engineering chemistry lab

• Emergency protocols

• Viva questions with answers

This chapter ensures that students begin with proper lab ethics and safety awareness.

Chapter 2: Introduction to Basic Laboratory Equipments & Uses

• Beakers, burettes, pipettes, flasks

• Thermometers, calorimeters, pH meters

• Balances and heating apparatus

• Proper usage and maintenance

• Viva questions with answers

Students learn the correct use of each instrument, reducing errors during experiments.

Chapter 3: Preparation of Standard Solutions

Experiments include:

• Preparation of 0.1 M Na₂CO₃ solution

• Preparation of 0.1 N oxalic acid solution

• Preparation of 250 mL standard laboratory solutions

• Viva questions with answers

These foundational skills help students understand molarity, normality, and standardization.

Chapter 4: Titration (Acid–Base, Redox, and Precipitation)

Experiments include:

• Determination of strength of H₂SO₄

• Determination of strength of Na₂CO₃

• Determination of strength of NaOH

• Redox titration: KMnO₄ vs. H₂C₂O₄

• Viva questions with answers

Core titration skills prepare students for industrial chemical analysis.

Chapter 5: Water Analysis

• Determination of hardness of water (EDTA method)

• Temporary and permanent hardness

• Importance for civil & environmental engineering

• Viva questions with answers

Chapter 6: pH Analysis

• Determination of pH of solutions using pH meter

• Buffer solutions

• Applications in industry and environment

• Viva questions with answers

Chapter 7: Salt Analysis

• Qualitative analysis of inorganic salts

• Systematic analysis of cations and anions

• Wet tests and confirmatory tests

• Viva questions with answers

Chapter 8: Determination of BOD & COD

• Principles of biochemical oxygen demand

• Chemical oxygen demand test

• Importance in water quality and effluent treatment

• Viva questions with answers

This is highly relevant for environmental engineering students.

Appendices

• Appendix I: Preparation of commonly used laboratory reagents

• Appendix II: Reagents for BOD/COD determination

• Appendix III: Atomic masses of elements (Alphabetical list)

These appendices make the manual more complete and exam-friendly.