The aims of the module are:

• To outline how bonding theories (crystal field, ligand field) have been developed by chemists to rationalise important properties of the d–block elements  and to introduce the theory underlying the use of appropriate physical and spectroscopic techniques for characterising d–block complexes, and examples of their application.
• To illustrate the chemistry of the transition elements by a detailed study of three d-block triads  and introduce the chemistry, and some applications, of complexes in low oxidation states.
• To explain the mechanisms by which transition metal complexes exchange ligands 

By the end of the module students should:

• Demonstrate an understanding of transition-metal chemistry
• Show an understanding of the concepts, applications and limitations of the different bonding theories relevant to transition-metal complex chemistry, and be aware of their relative relevance in different chemical contexts.
• Be able to identify key elements of the structures of transition-metal complexes, and apply their knowledge of spectroscopic and physical techniques to work out the correct structure for a complex, given relevant chemical and spectroscopic information.
• Be able to describe the social, economic and technological importance of selected transition elements.
• Understand and be able to describe the significance of the syntheses, characterisation and chemistry of 3d metal complexes
• Understand the origin of the 18-electron rule, its application and the sort of complexes to which it applies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of ligand field and other factors in determining how metal complexes undergo ligand exchange.
• Appreciate the bonding of different organic fragments to transition metals and how a variety of physical measurements can be used to substantiate these ideas.

Lecture -

Lectures are recorded and made available on the Stream and on VITAL
A Module Forum exists where students can ask for further clarification of lecture material

Tutorial - Small group tutorials. Work set and handed in, in advance

A Module Forum exists to enable students to seek help with tutorial work in advance of the tutorial.

Topic 1    Importance of Transition-metal Chemistry

Topic 2  Ligands & complexes

Topic 3 Co-ordination numbers and shapes of transition-metal complex ions

Topic 4 Crystal Field Theory

Topic 5 Electronic spectra

Topic 6 The CFSE

Topic 7 CFSE effects on the kinetics of ligand substitution

Topic 8 Thermodynamics of ligand exchange

Topic 9 CFSE effects on other thermodynamic properties

Topic 10 Crystal field effects on the chemical physical properties of transition-metal complexes

Topic 11  Ligand field theory s -bonding ligands

Topic 12 p -bonding ligands

Topic 13 p -acceptor ligands

Topic 14 Organometallic chemistry: Review of basic reaction types

Topic 15 Metal-alkyl complexes

Topic 16 Metal-alkene and alkyne complexes

Topic 17-20 Descriptive Transition Metal Chemistry:  Trends across the d–block: oxidation state stabilities, with examples. Differences between 3d and 4d/5d elements.

Topics 21-24 Mechanisms of ligand substitution reactions