Faculty of Science

Objectives

To introduce students to electronic spectra, magnetic properties and reactions of transition metal complexes as well as the study of the elements of the second and third transition series, complexes of the pi-acceptor ligands, the Lanthanides and the Actinides.

Contents

Electronic properties of transition metal complexes; Russell-Saunders states: spin-spin, orbit–orbit and spin-orbit coupling; Spin–orbit coupling and the Pauli exclusion principle; Russell-Saunders Terms for dn configurations (n = 1 to 10); Magnetic properties of transition metal complexes; magnetic susceptibility; orbital contribution to magnetic moments; Reaction mechanisms of transition metal complexes; factors affecting rate of ligand substitution; substitution reactions in octahedral complexes and square planar complexes; the trans effect; oxidation-reduction reaction types; Metal ion assisted processes; Elements of the second and third transition series (occurrence, extraction and uses); 4d and 5d elements: Electronic configuration and physical properties; chemical properties of elements (halides and oxides); Stability of oxidation states; complexes and magnetism; organometallic compounds; Properties, structure, bonding, preparation, stability and reactivity of organometallic compounds; Pi-acceptor ligands; preparation and reactivity of metal carbonyls; carbon monoxide analogues; Groups 15 and 16 ligands; Lanthanides: occurrence; preparation, uses; electronic structure and the lanthanide contraction; physical and chemical properties; Actinides: electronic structure; occurrence, preparation, uses, physical and chemical properties.

Prerequisite: