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CH20148: Inorganic synthesis, structure and reactivity for natural scientists

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Chemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 12
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Academic Year
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 80%, PR 20%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • S1 Examination (EX 20%)
  • S2 Examination (EX 60%)
  • Practical (PR 20%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: CH20148 - Reassessment Examination (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take CH10133 OR take CH10134
In taking this module you cannot take CH20147
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To provide an introduction to the chemistry of compounds of the transition metal elements, along with selected aspects of main group chemistry with particular reference to the heavier p-block elements. To introduce students to fundamental organometallic chemistry. To provide a basic knowledge of advanced methods for structure determination.

Learning Outcomes:
After studying this unit, students should be able to:
* Describe the principles underlining NMR and powder diffraction techniques.
* Interpret and make calculations based on simple X-ray diffraction patterns.
* Interpret and predict NMR spectra for a range of nuclei other than 1H, 13C.
* Interpret and predict ESR spectra.
* Describe bonding models that can be applied to a consideration of the properties of transition metal compounds.
* Account for the solution chemistry of representative elements as a guide to the reactivity of the transition metals.
* Describe the properties and factors effecting stability and reactivity of heavy p-block containing compounds
* Understand the fundamental chemistry of metal compounds containing metal-carbon σ- and π-bonds.

Skills:
Numeracy (F, A); Problem solving (T, F, A); Oral communication (F).

Content:
Overview of X-ray generation and use of filters. Crystal classes, lattices and unit cells. Bragg's Law. Uses of powder diffraction. General principles of NMR - magnetic properties of nuclei, sensitivity and abundance. Spectra of I = 1/2 nuclei. Chemical shifts and coupling constants. Problems with I>1/2 nuclei. Magnetic properties of the electron and the origin and interpretation of ESR spectra.
General properties of transition metal compounds. Crystal field theory and ligand field theory. Descriptive chemistry of first row transition metal elements (e.g. V,Fe,Ni). Kinetics and mechanisms of substitution and redox reactions. Organometallics - nomenclature, electron counting. Metal carbon σ and π bonding.
The nature and properties of selected p-block element containing compounds (Inter halogen complexes, cationic/anionic Halogen and Chalcogen systems). Chemistry of the Noble gases. The role of d-orbitals in main group element bonding (3-centre 4-electron bonding Vs d-orbital participation). P-block ring systems (BN, SN, SeN and PN). Classification of organometallics, general aspects of stability structure and bonding The History, synthesis, structure, bonding and reactivity of main group organometallics (e.g. organolithiums, oragnomagnesiums and organoaluminiums). The application of selected of main group organometallic compounds.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

CH20148 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management (Year 2)
  • USCH-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • USCH-AFM07 : MSci(Hons) Chemistry with Management (Year 2)
  • USCH-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Placement (Year 2)
  • USCH-AKM07 : MSci(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Placement (Year 2)

CH20148 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* 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.