Aims & Learning Objectives:
To introduce the principles of main group (esp. boranes) and transition metal cluster chemistry including methods of synthesis, reactivity and a description of the bonding within these systems.
After studying this Unit, students should be able to:
* Predict the structure and reactivity of boranes, heteroboranes and metalloboranes.
* Rationalise the structure of transition metal clusters.
* Describe the synthesis of low nuclearity transition metal clusters.
Content:
Boron Hydrides - introduction and cluster shapes. Wade's Rules - predicting cluster shape. M.O. theory and Wade's rules. Isolobal Theory. Metalloboranes. Synthesis of Boron hydride compounds. Reactivity of Boron hydride compounds. Clusters with main group elements other than boron (Zintl ions, P4 etc).
Types of transition metal clusters. Metal framework structures. The role of the ligands - carbonyls, hydrides, phosphines. Structure and bonding in clusters. Extension of Wade's rules to metal clusters. Mingos condensed polyhedral approach. Synthesis and characterization of metal carbonyl clusters. Pyrolysis, thermolysis, redox condensations. Cluster build up reactions. Ligand reactivity - hydrides and carbonyls. Clusters in catalysis.
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