Inorganic Chemistry B

Goals
The course presents some techniques based on the qualitative theory of molecular orbitals useful in the study of the electronic structure, the molecular geometry and the reactivity of transition metal complexes. The laboratory experiences will guide the student in the calculation of the molecular orbitals of some organometallic species.

Acquired skills
The student will be able to qualitatively describe the electronic structure of transition metal complexes and to use this information to rationalize or predict their geometry and reactivity.

Course content
Lessons: Electron count in complexes. Principles of orbital interactions. Metal and ligand orbitals. Principal ligand field: sigma interactions (octahedral, square-planar, square-based pyramidal, tetrahedral, trigonal-bipyramidal, trigonal-planar and linear geometries). Pi-type interactions (pi-donor and pi-acceptor ligands, pi-complexes). Applications (conformational problems, agostic interactions, carbene complexes, metal-metal bonds, reductive elimination reactions, isolobal analogy).
Laboratory: Practical verification of the models described in the course by carrying out the exercises of the textbook using an Extended Hückel (EHT) semi-empirical calculation program.

Suggested prerequisites
Chemistry of coordination compounds.

Reference material
Yves Jean "Molecular orbitals of transition metal complexes" Oxford University Press, 2005.

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of coordination chemistry.

Assessment method
The exam consists of an oral exam on all the topics covered in the course starting from an application topic chosen by the student. It also involves the evaluation of a report on two laboratory exercises assigned by the teacher.

Language of instruction
Italian

Attendance Policy
Lessons: recommended. Laboratory: compulsory.

Mode of teaching
Traditional