electiveHQ

This course is an introduction to transition metal chemistry, examining the formation, shape, and properties of metal-ligand complexes. Recent literature complements fundamental background in the subject along with examples from industrial and research chemistry. This material gives an insight into macroscopic properties such as colour, reactivity and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes as a result of crystal field considerations. Topics covered include: Atomic structure and orbitals; Prediction of molecular geometry; Molecular orbital theory for simple diatomics; Symmetry elements and point groups; Lewis acids and bases; Metal-ligand bonding and coordination; Coordination geometry and conformation; Chelate and macrocyclic effects; Crystal field theory.The laboratory component reinforces the above topics and provides instruction in the synthesis and characterisation of coordination complexes and the use of coordination complexes in analytical techniques.