Aims

To introduce the fundamental principles and reactions of organometallic chemistry; to introduce concepts of homogeneous catalysis; to demonstrate the diverse chemistry of the s- and p-elements; to introduce inorganic aspects of biological systems and metals in biomedicine. To practise and develop skills in practical inorganic chemistry and in writing reports.

Outline Of Syllabus

Organometallic Chemistry
Background and introduction
The 18-Electron rule
Important ligand types; carbonyl (bonding and binary carbonyls)
Pi-ligands, hydrides, phosphines
The synthesis of organometallic compounds
Organometallic reaction mechanisms 1. Reaction at the metal: ligand substitution, oxidative addition and reductive elimination
Organometallic reaction mechanisms 2: Reactions involving the ligand: migratory insertion, reductive elimination and nucleophilic additions and abstractions
Transition metal carbene complexes: synthesis, structure and reactivity
Homogeneous catalysis: an introduction

Comparative Main Group Chemistry
General principles. Complexes of the s-elements: macrocycles and the macrocyclic effect, alkalides and electrides
Organometallics of the electropositive metals: an introduction to electron-deficient compounds
More electron-deficient compounds: boranes and carboranes, Zintl ions
Low oxidation states of the p-block elements (groups 13 and 14)
E=E bonds (groups 14 and 15); synthesis and reactions. Phosphorus (V) ylides and related compounds
E=E’ bonds – stability, synthesis and reactions

Bioinorganic Chemistry
An introduction to bioinorganic chemistry; the essential metals, metal ion overload-deficiency and treatments.
An introduction to metalloproteins. Protein structure, metal ion binding groups, protein function and role of metal ions.
Myoglobin– protein structure and function, haem group, oxidation and spin states of the metal centre before and after oxygen coordination
Haemoglobin – protein structure and function, comparison with Mb, the cooperative nature of oxygen binding in haemoglobin
Metallo-enzymes – details of the structure and function of Zn and Fe-containing systems
Metal ion binding in DNA. Discovery of metal-containing anti-tumour drugs. mode of action, side effects. Metal-based drugs

Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Course
Each student is assigned five experiments from the following list:
Vanadium Chemistry: Coordination Chemistry and Catalysis
Early Transition –Metal Polyoxoanions: Metal Oxide Chemistry in Organic Solvents
Ferrocene (•5-C5H5)2Fe, and its Derivatives
Tris Chelate Complexes: Stoichiometry of [Fe(phen)3]2+ Resolution and Optical Activity of [Co(en)3]3+
Use of Liquid Ammonia as a Solvent – Synthesis of a Diphosphine

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The online lectures will provide students with the material required for an understanding of advanced inorganic chemistry. The revision sessions will be used to assist the students with parts of the course that they find more demanding and for providing problems associated with the module.

In the practical classes competencies in practical procedures, observation, record-keeping and report writing, will be taught and learnt.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination will test the student's knowledge and understanding of the content of the module.
The laboratory component practical involves the assessment of a complex selection of skills learnt in about 4 experiments per student, spread over the major areas of inorganic chemistry.

Students are required to obtain at least 35% in the laboratory component in order for the examination mark to be included in the final module mark. Students who score <35% in the laboratory will obtain a module mark based solely on the laboratory practical.