University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 10

ECTS credits : 5

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module discusses the importance of and structural similarities between rings, cages and clusters particularly in main group chemistry. The general rules for predicting geometry in cage/cluster systems will be introduced and used to provide a framework for the range of systems to be discussed e.g. boranes, Zintl anions, phosphides. Further advanced topics in s and p block chemistry will be introduced, for example the stabilisation of heavier main group multiple bonds, low coordinate main group element centres, biradicaloids and use of weakly coordinating anions.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 - 3 lectures per week over 9 - 10 weeks (within Weeks 1-11) and 2 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: Dr P Kilian
Module teaching staff: Dr P Kilian, Dr A Stasch
Module coordinator email pk7@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• To know electron counting rules in clusters
• To understand advanced bonding concepts and be able to analyse bonding using a variety of data
• To know a variety of contemporary chemical concepts in main group chemistry
• To understand and be able to solve problems using links between structure, bonding and reactivity for various main group compounds