CH3I1: Biomolecular Structure and Aspects of Transition Metal Chemistry

Module Provider:

Chemistry, School of Chem, FoodBi and Pharm

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn

Module Convenor:

Professor DJ Cardin

Pre-requisites:

Part 2 chemistry

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2007/8

Aims:
To introduce students to the organometallic chemistry of the transition elements, to the special properties of the heavy transition metals, and to the chemistry of cage and cluster compounds.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to write qualitative accounts of the material and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in the area.

Additional outcomes:
A knowledge of organometallic chemistry provided by this module form the basis for an understanding on the Part 4 module in catalysis.

Outline content:
C J Cardin (5 lectures) Bioinorganic Chemistry and Macromolecular Structure
The biological metals and their biological ligands. Protein structures. Introduction to proteins and nucleic acids as ligands to metal ions. The example of iron - absorption, transport, biological roles, in humans and bacteria.
D J Cardin (10 lectures) Organometallic Chemistry
Introduction to organic derivatives of the transition metals. The transition metal-carbon bond. 1-C ligands; classification of C-ligands. Classification of complexes by ligand type.
Modes of decomposition, strategies for preventing decomposition. Kinetically stabilised alkyls, aryls and other 1-C ligands. Metal carbonyls: synthesis, structures, bonding and reactions. Carbene complexes and carbyne complexes.
S J Hibble (5 lectures) Heavy transition-metal chemistry
Systematic study of the chemistry of the second and third row transition metals. Similarities and differences between the chemistry of the first row and the heavier transition metals in terms of electronic structure and position in the periodic table, e.g. the effect of lanthanide contraction on ionic radii and the resultant close similarity of the chemistry of the early second and third row transition metals. Students are expected to become familiar with the descriptive chemistry in the course textbook.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Twenty one-hour lectures backed up by 3 tutorials, and guided self-study.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will attend tutorials on the material covered in this module. Attendance is compulsory. A tutorial comprises both written work and oral contribution.

For students on chemistry-based degree courses any unexplained absence from more than two tutorials in chemistry in any term will automatically incur a formal warning from the School Director of Teaching and Learning.
Examinations
A one and a half hour paper taken during the Part 3 examination period. 100%
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40%
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination will take place in the September following final examinations, for the examinable component only, when a student has failed the programme overall.