The aims of the module are:
1)To help students develop a flexible understanding of the models of bonding seen in molecular complexes of the d-block (including organometallic complexes);
2)To help students develop an understanding of how appropriate physical data relates to these complexes. Representative types of data include magnetic susceptibility, UV-vis maxima, IR stretching frequencies, NMR spectra for diamagnetic complexes, crystallographic bond lengths, reduction potentials, and equilibrium constants.
3)To help students explore the descriptive chemistry of the d-block; and
4)To help students understand the mechanistic details of ligand exchange and organometallic reaction steps.

(LO1) By the end of the module, successful students will be able to articulate the relative merits and limitations of different models of metal-ligand bonding.

(LO2) By the end of the module, successful students will be able to describe some of the fundamental chemistry of the d-block and explain its relevance to selected applications of social and/or economic relevance.

(S1) By the end of the module, successful students will be able to solve problems concerning the structure, bonding, and reactivity of transition metal and organometallic complexes.

(S2) By the end of the module, successful students will be able to rationalise experimental data relating to transition metal and organometallic complexes.

Lectures. 30 x 1 hr. Three blocks of lectures: coordination chemistry, descriptive and mechanistic chemistry, and organometallic chemistry.
Students will be expected to conduct a substantial amount of study independently, principally by engaging with the module reading list.

Coursework. Two problem sets, assessed and 2 x 1.5 hr online class tests, assessed.

Tutorials. 4 x 1 hr, not assessed.

*Lectures: 30 hr
*Tutorials: 4 hr

Theme 1: Foundations of Coordination Chemistry
Representative topics: geometries and isomerism, crystal and ligand field theories, “spin-only” magnetism, high- and low-spin complexes, reduction potentials, substitution energetics, binding of chelates and macrocycles.

Theme 2: Descriptive and Mechanistic Chemistry
Representative topics: behaviour down a triad, extraction and refinement of metal ores, social relevance of metal chemistry, A/I/D mechanisms of ligand substitution.

Theme 3: Introductory Organometallic Chemistry
Representative topics: the 18VE rule, fundamental reactivity, MO analysis of metal-ligand bonding for carbonyls and alkenes, NMR of organometallic complexes.