CHE-20020: Organometallic Chemistry and the f-Block

1 To enlarge upon and make connections between the underlying ideas in inorganic chemistry utilising both theoretical and practical knowledge covered in earlier modules to give a rounded description of the properties of the elements
2 To develop complex data processing and analysis skills.
3 To develop experimental and analytical laboratory skills
4 To develop problem solving and scientific writing skills
5 To develop oral communication skills

Intended Learning Outcomes

Interpret nomenclature and describe methods for the synthesis of main group and transition metal organometallic compounds. will be achieved by assessments: 1,4
Rationalise the chemical reactivity and spectroscopic properties of organometallic compounds in terms of molecular structure and bonding. will be achieved by assessments: 1,4
Describe the important applications of organometallic compounds in materials chemistry and catalysis. will be achieved by assessments: 1.4
Deduce and analyse reaction pathways and mechanisms of reactions involving organometallic compounds. will be achieved by assessments: 1,4
Describe and explain the bonding in electron deficient compounds and the application of Wade's Rules. will be achieved by assessments: 1,4
Account for the reactivity and properties of the f-block elements and their compounds in terms of modern concepts in chemistry. will be achieved by assessments: 1,4
Apply preparative and analytical laboratory techniques to the synthesis of a variety of typical organometallic compounds. will be achieved by assessments: 2,5
Use the GAUSSIAN package to examine structural and spectroscopic properties of organometallic compounds will be achieved by assessments: 3
Maintenance of a laboratory diary will be achieved by assessments: 2,5

Study hours

20 hours lecture
24 hours laboratory classes
2 hours class tests
12 hours problem classes
92 hours personal study

Description of Module Assessment

01: Class Test weighted 20%

Two 1-hour class tests
Students answer questions (2 per class test) selected from a bank of seen questions posted on the KLE.

02: Laboratory Report weighted 10% (min pass mark of 40)

laboratory report on a selected practical
1000 word laboratory report. Students will prepare and submit electronically a full (maximum 1000 words) report on a selected practical which will be marked in a face-to-face session with one of the course tutors.

03: Computer Task weighted 5%

Assessment of computer based experiment
Students will complete a proforma containing the results of a computational exercise in organometallic chemistry

04: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50% (min pass mark of 35)

UNSEEN EXAM - 2 HOURS
The paper is split into two sections with a degree of choice in each section: Part A short answer questions, Part B long answer questions.

05: Laboratory Assessment weighted 15% (min pass mark of 40)

Laboratory proformas
Students will complete and submit two proformas containing the results of two selected practical experiments. The laboratory diary will also be assessed.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.