Module manager: Prof Patrick McGowan
Email: p.c.mcgowan@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Level 1 Chemistry or equivalent
CHEM2270 Organometallic and f-block chemistry
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module builds upon organic and inorganic chemistry taught at level 1, focussing on the structure and reactivity of organo-main group molecules and organo-transition metal complexes, and on the increasingly important application of these species as reagents and/or catalysts in synthetic organic chemistry.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- understand the relevance of organometallic compounds to the real world;
- recognise that there are consequences associated with choosing to use organometallic compounds;
- have an appreciation of the bonding and reactivity of organo-main group chemistry;
- recognise and be able to illustrate the importance of different types of bonding and structure in organo-transition metal chemistry;
- carry out an electron count in an organometallic species.
At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. understand and describe the bonding, structure and reactivity of organo-main group compounds;
2. recognise the importance of different types of bonding and structure in organo-transition metal chemistry;
3. understand the principles of electron deficiency and 3c2e bonding, and how they impact structure and reactivity;
4. understand the origin of the 18 electron rule, and its importance for chemical reactivity, and apply the 18 electron rule using MLX electron counting;
5. understand the synthesis and electronic characteristics of complexes of phosphine, carbonyl and nitrosyl ligands;
6. demonstrate awareness of the structure and reactivity of different types of organometallic reagents (R2Zn, RZnZ, R2CuLi);
7. understand and solve problems involving the application of these reagents in simple one-step synthesis;
8. understand and solve problems involving Hard-Soft Acid Base theory and its application into explaining 1,2 vs 1,4-addition selectivity;
9. demonstrate knowledge of how organometallic reagents are prepared;
10. understand and solve problems involving the use of Pd reagents in C-C and C-X bond-forming reactions.
An introduction to the organometallic chemistry of the main group and transition metals using some of their important applications to illustrate the importance of different modes of bonding and reactivity;
An appreciation of different types of structures and the prediction of stability using electron counting;
An introduction to the applications of organometallic reagents and catalysts in organic synthesis.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Example Class | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 57 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
72h (including 15h online study -quizzes, note-taking, additional reading)
Short online MCQs. Online workshops with in-class feedback
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team