A survey of the synthesis, structure and reactivity of inorganic and organometallic transition metal complexes. A discussion of electronic structure is followed by an introduction to reaction mechanism elucidation and the major classes of reactivity exhibited by inorganic and organometallic complexes. Examples and readings from the current chemical literature are used extensively. This course is focused on molecular species that contain metal-carbon bonds, and the role of these compounds in catalytic processes and organic synthesis. Aspects of the synthesis, structure and reactivity of important classes of organometallic compounds such as metallo alkyl, aryl, alkene, alkylidene and alkylidyne complexes are surveyed for the d and f block metals.
Emphasis is placed on general patterns of reactivity and recurring themes for reaction mechanisms.
Main Group Chemistry. This course encompasses a comprehensive survey of the chemistry and properties of the p-block elements of the periodic table. Topics include syntheses, structures and reactivities of important compounds. In addition, alternative bonding theories which have been used to explain the unique properties of these compounds are critically examined. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.