Organometallic Catalysis

The course aims to provide the students with a thorough understanding of the relationship between the structures, chemical bonds and chemical properties in organometallic chemistry. The course notably contains an extensive knowledge of transition metal complexes, particularly aimed at catalysis. The lecture covers some general and introductory concepts from nomenclature, crystal/ligand field theory, 18-electrons rule and its limitation, different types of ligands, the geometry\coordination mode and the fundamental reactions in organometallic chemistry. Another part of the lecture focuses on a detailed look at organometallic chemistry with emphasis on bonding theory, synthesis and reactivity of s- and p-bonded ligands. The applications of organometallic complexes in organic synthesis and industrial catalysis will be covered during the lecture.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has extensive knowledge about molecular organometallic chemistry
• knows the most important classes of ligands found in organometallic compounds
• has broad knowledge of nomenclature, coordination modes, geometries, and fundamental reaction types
• has knowledge of the chemical bonds and the theories that explain the electronic properties within organometallic compounds
• knows how to establish the relationship between the structures, chemical bonds in organometallic chemistry to determine and elucidate mechanisms in catalysis

Skills

The student

• is able to define the nomenclature, electronic structure, properties of transition-metal compounds.
• Is able to identify the basic fundamental reactions in organometallic chemistry.
• is able to describe the bond-to-metal complexes.
• is able to establish the structure-reactivity/activity relationship and the operating mechanisms in the catalytic processes.

General competence

The student

• can formulate hypotheses and critically evaluate information from various sources related to organometallic chemistry and catalysis subjects
• can express the central content of the subject both in written and verbal form and by use of expressions characteristic for the subjects
• has insight into current chemical syntheses and processes issues related to modern industrial catalysis

Spring (earlier autumn). Is given in spring term 2024 and onwards.

The course runs only if enough students enrol.