Solid state and organometallic chemistry

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Explain phenomena in solids including defect structures, various types of conductivity, and magnetic and optical properties, within the context of band theory
• Describe the organometallic chemistry of transition metals with a broad range of pi-ligands.
• Sketch aspects of solid state structure (unit cells, polyhedra, lattice planes, how diffraction arises, unit cells, not previously encountered) and electronic structure (band diagrams, junctions).
• Draw catalytic cycles to describe a range of reactions mediated by transition metal organometallic species.
• Present the results of a practical investigation in a concise manner.
• Explain and analyse X-ray diffraction data, including indexing cubic diffraction patterns, and carry out calculations of lattice parameters and parameters related to the electronic structure of solid state materials.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Set up glassware and apparatus to conduct experiments in Inorganic Chemistry.
• Interpret data from a range of physical techniques to characterise inorganic compounds.

X-ray diffraction and structure: Crystal lattices and symmetry; Modelling solids as connected polyhedral – silicates, spinel, perovskite; Diffraction of X-rays by crystals; Indexing of diffraction data; Dependence of intensity on structure factor.

Bonding and properties of solids: Basic band theory in semiconductors, metals and insulators; Doping and compound semiconductor trends; Conductors transparent conductors and superconductors; Optical properties of solids; Magnetism in perovskites, spinels and transition metal oxides; Defects and ionic conductivity.

Organometallic chemistry: Transition metal organometallic chemistry with π-ligands; Multiply-bonded ligands; Key reactions and catalytic cycles and behaviours.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, small group tutorials and laboratory sessions.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Lesley E. Smart and Elaine A. Moore. Solid State Chemistry: An Introduction.

C. E. Housecroft and A. G. Sharpe (2018). Inorganic Chemistry.

Assessment strategy

Final exam, tutorials and laboratory marks.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External