CHEM30240 Main Group Chemistry and Bonding

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module is divided into two main sections. The first part focuses on coordination chemistry and properties associated with transition metal complexes. In particular, electron configuration of metals (high and low spin), geometry, trans- and the Jan-Teller effects are discussed. Ligand-metal bonding models are presented along with an introductory to magnetic properties and analysis by electron spin resonance. In the second part of this module, the focus is on crystallography. Topics include: introduction to diffraction; single-crystal versus powder diffraction; single-crystal solution and refinement methods; polymorphism; crystallographic disorder; powder diffraction advantages and drawbacks.

Extra help is available in the form of additional material provided on Blackboard.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students are expected to able to complete following:
Draw correct Lewis structures and associated molecular geometry.
Determine if a transition metal is high or low spin and write the electron configuration.
Be to discuss Russell Saunders coupling and associated term symbols.
Understand the basics of metal-based magnetism.
Draw molecular bonding diagrams including hyper-conjugation effects.
Discuss and draw EPR energy diagrams.
Know about oxidation state and electron configuration.
Understand the concept of crystallinity.
Understand the basic fundamentals of diffraction (e.g. Miller indices, Bragg Law).
Demonstrate the ability to index powder diffraction data for simple systems.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

72
Lectures

24
Laboratories

24
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorial Problem Sheets 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

CHEM 20010 or equivalent


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Lab Report: Laboratory, continuous assessment Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30
Examination: Written examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60
Continuous Assessment: Various assessments over the semester Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Grades supplied on homeworks and laboratory reports; individual feedback available in face-to-face meetings.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Tony Keene Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Olivia Breen Tutor