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Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


CH30163: Advanced f-block chemistry

Click here for further information Credits: 3
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must (take CH10133 and take CH20147) or (take CH10134 and take CH20148)
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To provide an understanding of the chemistry of the 4f (lanthanide) and 5f (actinide) elements and their increasingly technologically important compounds.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the unit the students will:
* understand the influence of the 4f (lanthanide contraction) and 5f valence orbitals upon the chemistry of the lanthanide elements;
* know and understand the basic solid state, coordination chemistry and organometallic chemistry of the 4f and 5f elements.

Skills:
Numeracy (F, A), Problem solving (T, F, A), Scientific writing (F, A), Independent working (F), Group working (F).

Content:
Introduction to the 4f elements, the lanthanides. Shapes and nature of the f-orbitals. Oxidation states. The lanthanide contraction.
Extraction and isolation of the lanthanides. Introduction to lanthanide chemistry. Solid state compounds, halides and oxides.
Divalent and tetravalent compounds. Electronic configurations, magnetism and spectroscopy.
Lanthanide coordination chemistry and shift reagents. Use in organic synthesis.
Organolanthanide chemistry and organometallic catalysis.
Actinide occurrence and synthesis. The 5f orbitals; comparison to lanthanide chemistry. Applications of actinide elements. Actinide oxidation states and coordination chemistry. Spectroscopy. Actinide organometallic chemistry.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

CH30163 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Chemistry (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USCH-AFB09 : BSc (hons) Chemistry with Education (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USCH-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Chemistry with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USCH-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Chemistry with Study Year abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USCH-AFM02 : MChem (hons) Chemistry (Full-time) - Year 3
Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.