module specification

This module will utilize previous learning to develop an understanding of advanced topics in inorganic chemistry including organometallic and structural chemistry as well as exposure to contemporary research in the general inorganic area.

CH5009

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

This module aims to enable students to develop an understanding of the relation between structure, bonding and reactivity in main group compounds. It also will show students how fundamental topics in inorganic chemistry can be applied to the interpretation of the roles of metal ions in biological systems. In addition, the module aims to develop students understanding of modern characterisation in solid state chemistry. Allied to this, the module will develop an awareness of the spectroscopic techniques available to an inorganic chemist and provide them with contexts that will allow them to develop problem solving skills in this area.

In addition the module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment. They will be required to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, as well as decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts. Finally the module aim to provide students with the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Structure, bonding, and synthesis of compounds of transition metals in low oxidation states with π-acceptor ligands: nomenclature, the 18 electron rule; metal carbonyls, carbonylates, carbenes, dihyrogen complexes, silane complexes, clusters, metal-metal bonds, vibrational spectra; complexes with alkenes, alkynes, allyls, cyclopentadienes and arenes.  Fluxionality in organometallic compounds. C-H activation by transition metal organometallics. Catalytic cycles involving organometallic systems that reaction types common in organometallic chemistry.

Diffraction methods: diffraction by single crystals; measurement of unit cell parameters; symmetry in crystals; space groups; calculation of relative molecular mass. Molecular symmetry and point groups, relationships between point groups and symmetry operations, deduction of point group symmetry for metal complexes from X-ray data. Electron density and the phase problem; methods of solving the phase problem. Determination of molecular structure by single crystal methods.

The module is delivered through a range of different mechanisms including practical work, workshops, tutorials, lectures, on-line material and directed course work.

Teaching and learning sessions consist of lectures, tutorials and practicals.
Lectures (20h) are used to deliver subject material and are linked to tutorials (13h) and practical sessions (4h).  Tutorials are utilized to develop problem solving skills throughout the module. Students also expected to work on their presentation (54h).
The module is supported by a website on WebLearn which includes a number of electronic learning aids, with a particular emphasis on consolidation of previous learning. Students would be expected to use the site for assisted study (59h).

On successful completion of this module, students are expected to:

1. present in both oral and written forms novel ideas and concepts from a field of modern inorganic chemistry
2. utilize the scientific literature to research a contemporary topic in inorganic chemistry
3. explain how spectroscopic techniques are important in the understanding of structure, bonding and reactivity of organometallic molecules
4. apply understanding of diffraction methods to determine the molecular structure of selected small organic or inorganic molecules.

This module will be assessed by a of time-constrained progress tests and  a combined oral and poster presentation based on contemporary inorganic chemistry research. The progress test will provide both formative and summative assessment, the examination summative assessment alone.

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 6th edition, 1999, F.A Cotton, G.Wilkinson, C.A. Murillo, M. Bochmann. Wiley.
Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction, Third Edition, 2005, L. E. Smart, E. A. Moore. Taylor & Francis.
Basic Solid State Chemistry, 2nd Edition, 2000, A.R. West. Wiley.
Symmetry in Molecules and Crystals, Fourth Edition, 1996, M. F. C. Ladd. Ellis Horwood.