Learning Outcomes:
Following completion of this module the students will be expected to
i) demonstrate knowledge of polymerisation methodologies that involve the use of transition metal alkyl and carbene compounds,
ii) understand features of early and late transition metal catalysts in olefin polymerisation chemistry.
iii) describe polymerisation processes that are important in academia and industry
iv) explain transition metal - promoted polymerisation processes that involve linear olefins, strained cyclic olefins and enyne compounds.
v) outline ring-opening polymerisations with polymer chain growth in one and more directions.
demonstrate knowledge of olefin/carbon monoxide alternating copolymerisations.
vi) rationalize reaction mechanisms, polymer stereochemistry, structural analysis, polymer morphology and the relationship between structure and thermo-mechanical properties of polyolefins.
vii) demonstrate knowledge of and predict the structure and bonding of main group compounds (using VSEPR, Wade’s rules etc.)
viii) explain how Lewis acid and basic main group species can be used to enhance reactivity and describe the concept and application of Frustrated Lewis pairs.
iX) predict and explain the reactivity of low- and high-valent main group species.
x) show how NMR spectroscopy can be used to elucidate the structure of main group compounds and explain and predict the properties of NMR spectra.
xi) Present an account on bond activation in the form of a review of relevant literature in written and oral form.