University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 10

ECTS credits : 5

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module covers the heavier d-block and f-block metals and also the theory behind bonding, magnetism and optoelectronic spectroscopy in d-block metal complexes. At the end of the module students should be in a position to understand fully the nature of bonding in d- and f-block metal systems, to understand the optoelectronic spectra of d-block complexes and to rationalise trends in chemical properties both down and across the periodic table. This course will also give an overview of various applications of transition-metal catalysts in the development of sustainable chemical processes to impact hydrogen economy, methanol economy, and circular economy.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Undergraduate - Before taking this module you must pass CH2501 and pass at least 1 module from {CH2601, CH2603, CH2701}

Anti-requisite(s): Undergraduate - You cannot take this module if you take CH4455

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 - 3 lectures per week over 9 - 10 weeks (within Weeks 1-11) and 2 - 3 tutorials in total.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 80

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 100%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%

Re-assessment: Oral Re-assessment = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor E Zysman-Colman
Module teaching staff: Dr J A McNulty, Dr A Kumar
Module coordinator email eli.zysman-colman@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Understand why electron transfer reactions are important, what are the inner sphere and outer sphere mechanisms of electron transfer and what methods are useful to study them
• Discuss the mechanisms involved in the monooxygenation and oxygen transport mechanisms of heme proteins and type III copper proteins and to discuss the reduction of dinitrogen by nitrogenases.
• Discuss the use of bioinorganic model complexes for rationalising the essential features of catalytic metalloproteins.
• Explain the concepts behind the chemistry of the 4d and 5d transition elements, the radial and angular expansion in the d-orbitals and the role played by relativistic effects
• Explain the photophysical properties typical 4d and 5d metal complexes and the concepts behind photoredox catalysis using 4d and 5d metal complexes as photocatalysts
• Explain the physical properties, coordination chemistry and electronic configuration of the lanthanides and actinides including trends observed across the periodic table, term symbols, micro-states, radioactive character and the nature of absorption and emission