CHEMISTRY 421

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

This course concentrates on organo-transition metal chemistry, with emphasis on bonding theories, the 18-electron rule and cluster compounds., Emphasis is also placed on the role of organometallic complexes in organic syntheses. The experiments performed in the laboratory component of the course will be directly related to the topics discussed during lectures.

Chemistry 321.

• Theories of Bonding. Molecular orbital description of bonding; the 18-electron rule; hard and sof ligands;
• The use of spectroscopic techniques in characterizing organometallic compounds. Time scales of various physical techniques;
• A description of bonding of common ligands (carbon monoxide, hydride, phosphine, olefine, carbene, etc.) in organo-transition metal compounds;
• Metal cluster compounds;
• The isolobal concept; the 16/18-electron rule and its exceptions;
• Arene-transition metal complexes;
• Oxidative-addition (reductive-elimination) reactions;
• The role of organo-transition metal complexes in organic synthesis;