Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students are expected to:
- understand the nature of and predict the shape of atomic orbitals from the fundamental quantum numbers
- understand and predict the nature of bonding interactions in diatomics using molecular orbital theory
- distinguish and illustrate covalent and coordination bonds
- identify and predict the geometry of metal complexes
- assign oxidation states to ligands and metal ions
- apply the hard-soft-acid-base principle and chelate effects to determine relative product stability
- predict the magnetic behaviour and stability of complexes and their crystal field stabilisation energy
Indicative Module Content:
* Fundamentals of atomic structure and form of the periodic table.
* Bonding and molecular orbital theory for diatomics.
* General properties of the transition metals as elements and ions.
* Ligands and bonding to metals.
* Formation and stability of metal-ligand complexes
* Chelation and macrocyclic effects.
* Naming complexes.
* Molecular symmetry and point groups.
* Crystal field theory: fundamentals, applications and limitations.