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CH30212: Contemporary main group chemistry

[Page last updated: 21 April 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/3
Owning Department/School: Department of Chemistry
Credits: 3 [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 60
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take CH20147 OR take CH20148
Learning Outcomes: After studying the Unit, students should be able to:
* describe the synthesis, structure, bonding and factors affecting the stability of low oxidation state and multiply bonded s- and p-block main group compounds;
* understand the role of main group compounds in catalysis;
* understand the role of MOCVD in the electronics industry;
* rationalise the synthesis of precursors for MOCVD.

Aims: To introduce selected fundamental and applied topics in modern s- and p-block chemistry, with a particular emphasis on the kinetic control of bonding and oxidation state. To introduce the topic of inorganic materials chemistry, placing particular emphasis on structure and bonding relationships in order to explain properties such as magnetism and electrical conductance.

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

Content: Strategies for the synthesis and stability of low oxidation state main group organometallic systems (Lone-pair effects, Singlet vs Triplet state systems). A Survey of the synthesis, structure and bonding of homo-metallic Main group multiple bonded systems.
The use of s-block compounds in bond-forming catalysis
Main Group Chemistry and the Electronics Industry; MOCVD. The chemistry of selected inorganic polymers.

Programme availability:

CH30212 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry (Year 3)
  • USCH-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USCH-AFB07 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Year 3)
  • USCH-AAB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USCH-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Placement (Year 4)
  • USCH-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Industrial Placement (Year 4)
  • USCH-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management (Year 3)
  • USCH-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • USCH-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Placement (Year 4)
  • USCH-AFM02 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry (Year 3)
  • USCH-AFM05 : MChem(Hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Year 3)
  • USCH-AFM07 : MSci(Hons) Chemistry with Management (Year 3)
  • USCH-AKM07 : MSci(Hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.