ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, MOLECULAR SYMMETRY AND INORGANIC ELECTRONICS - 2026/7

Module Overview

The module builds upon knowledge from Inorganic modules at level 4 and 5. This is achieved by introducing aspects of inorganic chemistry that have not been previously addressed and by reviewing and expanding previous knowledge towards applications. The main topic of the module is the bonding and reactivity of Organometallic compounds and the application of Organometallic d-block compounds in homogeneous catalysis. Also introduced is the application of group theory to the prediction and analysis of vibrational spectra of compounds. This expands on previous knowledge that a student gains at level 5 concerning the fundamentals of point groups and molecular symmetry. To compliment applications of Organometallic compounds, the applications of Inorganic materials will be emphasized by detailed discussion of the operating mechanism and uses of silicon-based and molecular-based electronics.

Module provider

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Module Leader

TURNER Scott (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Introduction and review of bonding models relevant to organometallic chemistry including the basis and consequences of back-bonding, hapticity, 18-electron rule and its exceptions. Discussion of these topics in the context of a molecular orbital approach to bonding and effects on reactivity and compound stability.

Occurrence, reactivity, preparation and structures of transition metal carbonyls and clusters. Modes of ligand coordination. Phosphine ligands and electronic and steric variability (Tolman parameters). The consequences and evidence for back-bonding in carbonyls, phosphines, alkenes, alkynes and other ligands with synergistic bonding.

Synthesis and structure of complexes containing alkene and alkyne, allyl, butadiene and carbene ligands. Metathesis reactions.

Structure, synthesis, reactivity, and bonding in complexes of cyclopentadienyl and related cyclic ligands. Discussion of fluxionality and the consequences in NMR spectra.

Metal complexes as homogenous catalysts. Overview of basics, review of what catalysts are, categorisation of homo- and heterogeneous, selectivity (chemo, regio, stereo), activity, elementary steps in mechanisms, homolytic and heterolytic bond activation, catalytic cycles, ligand cooperation.

Metal complexes as homogeneous catalysts. Discussion of specific processes such as alkene isomerism, hydrogenation and hydroboration, oxidative addition, reductive elimination, hydroformylation, Tennesee-Eastmen acetic anhydride process, Fischer-Tropsch, Monsanto and Cativa process, coupling reactions.

Review of the basics of symmetry, group theory and character tables. Use of group theory to predict and analyze vibrational spectra, assign symmetry labels to bands and interrogate if bands are active in IR or Raman spectra.

Basics of conductivity theory. Band structures for insulators, metals, p- and n-type semiconductors. Silicon-based electronic devices based on p-n junctions. Correlations and differences with molecule-based electrical conductors. Spin-Peierls transitions and effect of dimensionality of conduction.
 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None.

Assessment Strategy

  The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

• A detailed understanding of the synthesis, structure, and bonding in organometallic compounds of transition metals.
• A general understanding of the application of organometallic compounds in homogeneous catalysis and a detailed working knowledge of catalytic cycles.
• Knowledge of the chemistry and properties of materials with appreciable electrical conductivity, both silicon based, inorganic continuous lattice materials and molecular materials.
• A detailed understanding of how group theor is applied to the analysis and prediction of vibrational spectra

The above is achieved by assessing through a coursework problem set and a closed book examination with problem-based questions, often originating from issues in the research literature. This provides an opportunity for each student to use fundamental and advanced knowledge to address problems in an authentic way, and to be exposed to current research trends.

Formative assessment

The teaching methods include tutorials and workshops that are spaced throughout the semester and appear at the end of each major topic: introduction to organometallic chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, symmetry and spectroscopy, inorganic materials. These sessions are used to give the students formative practice at solving problems relating to the taught topics. Similar style problems will be found in the summative coursework and examination.  

  Feedback

The tutorial, workshop and revision sessions will be used to verbally feedback to the students on their approach to the problems that are discussed. 

Module aims

• To explain the fundamental theory of bonding, structure, and nomenclature for d-block organometallic compounds
• To explain the synthesis and reactivity of d-block organometallic compounds and emphasise their application in homogeneous catalysis and catalytic cycles.
• To review Molecular symmetry and detail its application to rationalize and predict aspects of bonding and vibrational spectroscopy
• Detail the chemistry, properties, and mechanism of transport for materials related to Si-based or molecular electrical conductors.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

 The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Build upon the fundamental and intermediate knowledge from the levels 4 & 5 Inorganic themed modules.
• To provide each student with an understanding of the connections between inorganic and organic chemistry through the topic of organometallic chemistry.
• Emphasize to the student how organometallic chemistry is used in applications, with a focus on homogeneous catalysis.
• Allow the student to use their knowledge of bonding, structure, and reactivity to solve problems in the elucidation of synthesis, structure, and compound stability.
• Provide a good understanding of how group theory is used to predict or analyse vibrational spectra
• Provide a good understanding of the chemistry and mechanism of operation of Si-based and molecular materials with appreciable electrical cconductivity
  
  The learning and teaching methods include:
   
• Lectures
• Tutorials and directed learning
• Workshops
• Revision classes

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE3063

Other information

The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

One of the major topics in this module is the chemistry and mechanism of action of homogeneous catalysts based on organometallic compounds. Understanding this topic will allow the student to see how the efficiency and energy consumption of chemical reactions can be improved: a major factor in approaches to Sustainability. This subject is a major area of Industrial research and activity, thus providing knowledge and skills directly relevant to Employability. Student¿s will need to use specialist software, introduced at level 4 and 5, to construct answers to problems, which will maintain each student¿s Digital Capabilities. Students will also be directed to use specialized web-pages that provide 3D views of molecules with a focus on symmetry.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.