| This module builds on the inorganic concepts delivered in yr 2 and yr 3 and introduces the students to specialist inorganic topics which are industrially relevant. |
A selection of the following topics or part thereof will be covered each year:
Organometallic Chemistry
Eighteen electron rule. Bonding and stability in organometallics of the main group and transition elements. Metal alkyls and aryls. Carbenes Characterisation, Synthesis, Typical Reactions and Industrial Applications. Introduction to reactions observed in Catalysis with particular reference to applications in medicinal synthesis. (Wilkinson, Grubbs and Pd Coupling agents).
Mechanisms in Inorganic Chemistry
Ligand substitution in octahedral complexes, Acid and base hydrolysis, Dissociative (D), Associate (A) and Interchange (Id/Ia) mechanisms, Garrick’s D-CB mechanism, Ligand substitution in square planar complexes , Substitution in trans and cis complexes ,the Trans Effect, Applications in the synthesis of Pt(II) complexes, Redox reactions, Inner and outer-sphere mechanism.
Ionic conduction in solids
This will include solid electrolytes, their characteristics, structures and factors
necessary for the formation of solid electrolytes. Relevant applications such as devises such as light emitting, electrochemical cells and their operation will be studied. Topics from relevant up to date literature will be discussed where appreciate.
Superconduction in solids
Both low temperature (conventional) and high-temperature superconductors will be examined. Relevant properties such as the structure of the materials, their magnetic properties, and the nature of the conductivity will be studied. Topics such as applications and the mechanism of conduction will be reviewed in light of the most up to date literature.
Modern materials and nanotechnology
Topics related to surface coatings such as Corrosion control, antimicrobial, superhydrophobicity. Coating in the medical field that modify surfaces to be drug eluting. Methods such as electodeposition and atomic layer deposition.. Applications of grapheme
Modern materials Solid State Compounds in Technology)
Topics related to chemical vapour deposition: high purity silicon; metal deposition; ceramic coatings: inorganic fibres (carbon fibres) graphene, and carbon nanotubes inorganic fibres (carbon fibres) will be explored. Related topics from relevant up to date literature may also be introduced where appreciate.
Catalysis including Homogeneous and Heterogeneous catalysis
Fundamentals of catalysis: modern catalyst development and industrial processes.
Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts materials: their preparation, activity and selectivity. Applications of catalysts in industry and everyday life: including biologically and medically important aspects. Related topics from relevant up to date literature may also be introduced.
Laboratory work
Advanced practical work relevant to the topics chosen will be undertaken (8h).
Laboratory work is sourced from the School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory manual.
| ‘The module is delivered through a series of lectures (20 hours), tutorials (4 hours), laboratory practical classes (8 hours) and self-directed study (68hours).’
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| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 75 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 25 |