Chemistry

Reactivity in Inorganic Chemistry

Module code: F1202
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Unseen examination, Coursework

You will build on your core knowledge of the main group and transition elements, and discover the lanthanide and actinides.

You’ll explore unusual oxidation states in main group chemistry and their reactivity together with multiple bonds between heavy p-block elements.

Additionally, you will look at reaction mechanisms in coordination chemistry, including:

• kinetic aspects of ligand substitution
• optical activity 
• the mechanisms of (photo)redox reactions.

You will also explore the fundamental aspects of lanthanide and actinide coordination chemistry, and its applications in areas such as magnetic resonance imaging, luminescence and nuclear fuel cycles.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify common and unusual oxidation states in main group chemistry, appreciating the role of thermodynamic and kinetic factors that determine their stability, bonding and reactivity.
• Apply descriptions of d-electron configuration and electronic ground state to aspects of chemical reactivity, such as ligand substitution, redox processes, inner- and outer-sphere electron transfer reactions in terms of Marcus theory, and photochemical redox.
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the fundamental features of lanthanide and actinide chemistry, including bonding, electronic structure, f orbitals, the lanthanide contraction, common and exotic oxidation states, coordination and organometallic chemistry and their applications.