Inorganic Chemistry Premaster Course

Course manual 2018/2019

Course content

This course is intended to familiarize students with the most important concepts and knowledge concerning the inorganic chemistry of coordination complexes. These are compounds that generally exist of a metal (ion) and atoms or groups of atoms (= ligands) surrounding the metal. Coordination and inorganic chemistry are part of the essential basic knowledge every molecular scientist (chemistry bachelor) should have.

After an introduction involving coordination numbers and structure of main group compounds, we turn to the chemistry of transition metals. Models for the chemical bonding in coordination complexes are treated and applied to spectroscopic and physical properties of the complexes. The most important mechanisms of ligand exchange and substitution are covered.

The large body of knowledge and fast developments in this field of chemistry give the impression of being a compilation of “loose facts” instead of being a sub field of chemistry. Obtaining the necessary insight in the connection between facts and an adequate use of general rules and models requires time. Hence, you should be constantly on top of the subjects treated and spend time on learning theory and facts as well as exercise. Starting a week prior to the exam will lead to disappointment.

Study materials

Literature

• Weller & Overton, ‘Inorganic Chemistry’, 7th Ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2018. ISBN 978 0-19-876812-8.

  or the previous edition: Weller & Overton, ‘Inorganic Chemistry’, 6th Ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2014. ISBN 978 0-19-964182-6.

• pertinent material published on Canvas (exact content will be explicitly mentioned during the course)

Other

• Lecture sheets and other material will be published on Canvas

Objectives

At the end of the course the student:

• shows knowledge of and insight into the constitution, geometry, stereochemistry and relative stability of coordination compounds.
• shows knowledge of nomenclature of metal complexes and is able to determine electronic configurations and oxidation states of metals therein.
• shows knowledge of and insight into the electronic structure of coordination complexes and apply this knowledge to forecast physical properties such as color, spectroscopic and magnetic properties of such complexes.
• shows knowledge of and insight into the most important models of bonding involving coordination complexes and is able to apply this knowledge to estimate and forecast the influence of various ligands on physical properties om the complexes.
• shows knowledge of reaction mechanisms and kinetics of the most important ligand-exchange and substitution reactions involving coordination complexes and is able to forecast the outcome of such reactions.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Self-study

Learning activities

Attendance

Additional requirements for this course:

Attendance is not obligatory but is highly recommended

Assessment

The exam is based on open questions, which normally cover the whole or most of the material covered. It is a "closed book" exam and only pencils, ruler, are allowed. The re-sit exam is similar to the regular exam and the same rules apply.

Inspection of assessed work

The manner of inspection will be communicated via the digitial learning environment.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Contact information

Coordinator

• prof. dr. C.J. Elsevier