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CH40215: Topics in inorganic chemistry I for natural sciences

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Chemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 3
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: EX100
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take CH20147 or take CH20148
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To introduce the principles of the chemistry of the 4f and 5f series of elements (lanthanides and actinides).

Learning Outcomes:
After studying the Unit, students should be able to:
* explain the importance of the 4f and 5f valence orbitals in determining the chemistry (and contrasts between the chemistries ) of the lanthanide and actinide elements
* describe variations in oxidation state and the uses of coordination and solid state f-element compounds in synthesis and catalysis
* rationalise the magnetic and spectroscopic behaviour of the f-elements and explain how these properties are exploited in a variety of applications
* describe and explain the formation (or lack of formation) of multiple bonds to 4f and f element centres
* critically assess and evaluate unseen literature material from the perspective provided by a fundamental appreciation of 4f- and 5f-element chemistry.

Skills:
Problem solving (T, F, A)
Independent working (F).

Content:
Introduction to the 4f elements, the lanthanides. Shapes and nature of the f-orbitals. Oxidation states and effects of the lanthanide contraction.
Extraction and isolation of the lanthanides. Solid state 4f element compounds, halides and oxides.
Divalent and tetravalent lanthanide compounds. Electronic configurations, magnetism and spectroscopy of lanthanide derivatives. Lanthanide coordination chemistry and shift reagents and 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. Actinide spectroscopy and magnetism. Actinide organometallic chemistry.
Additional reading providing further examples of 4f- and 5f-element properties, reactivity and bonding.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

CH40215 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 5
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 5

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.