BSc Chemistry

A 1-semester Unit of 11 lectures split into 2 sub-units of 4 and one subunit of 3 weeks’ work, supported by 11 individual workshops ( 4 or 3 per instructor) and three examination workshops.

1. Polymer Chemistry Prof. M. Turner

2. Heterogeneous Catalysis Dr. F. Mair (Unit Co-ordinator)

3. F-block Chemistry Prof. S. Liddle

The unit is a mix of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, a reflection of the nature of our subject as it becomes more applied to real-world situations. Workshops follow lectures, on a later day in each week. Material in lectures is also provided as 15-20 minute podcasts.

Final week workshop slots are used for exam preparation.

Pre-requisite units: Core chemistry from years 1 and 2

The unit aims to:

Equip students with the ability to do all of the things listed under Intended learning outcomes for each of the three sections, on Polymer Chemistry, Homogeneous Catalysis, and F-block chemistry. In so doing, students will be equipped for advanced study, research or employment in these fields.

On successful completion of the course students should be able to: Part 1 

• Describe types of polymers by structure, composition, names and sources ·
• Explain the step growth polymerisation of polyesters, polyamides and high performance polymers. 
• Explain the chain growth polymerisation of monomers by ionic, radical, and ring-opening mechanisms 
• Discuss the control in polymer form, molecular weight and architecture afforded by these polymerisation processes. 
• Differentiate between step-growth and chain-growth polymerisation processes and predict the expected degree of polymerisation given the appropriate information.
• Understand how to prepare many common types of polymers and how the polymerisation conditions influence the microstructure of the polymer backbone. ·
• Propose suitable polymerisation processes given a starting monomer or desired polymer structure. Part 2 
• Apply knowledge of fundamental chemistry and fundamental reaction steps to the analysis of

homogeneously catalysed reactions. 

• Select appropriate combinations of ligands, metals and conditions to perform a given reaction. 
• Interpret experimental data to inform hypotheses on mechanism of catalysed reactions. 
• Appraise advantages and disadvantages of homogeneous catalysis in comparison with heterogeneous catalysis.

Part 3 

• Describe the history, occurrence, synthesis, periodicity, and physicochemical properties of the f-block elements.
• Understand the electronic structure, oxidation states, radii, ionisation energies, redox potentials, and chemical bonding of the f-block elements. 
• Contextualise the f-block with respect to the rest of the Periodic Table. ·
• Understand relativistic effects and spin orbit coupling and the role they play in determining the chemistry of the f-block elements. 
• Work out term symbols for the f-block elements and use this information to calculate free-ion magnetic moments. 
• Rationalise optical spectroscopic data and compare and contrast to transition metal analogues. 
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the general coordination and organometallic chemistry of the f-block elements and be able to compare this to transition metal analogues. 
• Describe applications of the f-block elements in technology, catalysis, the nuclear industry, and radiochemistry more widely.

Part 1:

Types of Polymer, names and sources; Step growth Polymerization: Polyesters, polyamides and performance polymers; Chain growth polymer synthesis (ionic, radical and ring opening). Control in polymer form, molecular weight, and architecture. Properties of polymers.

Part 2:

Overall principles of catalysis, definition of TON, TOF, comparison of hetero- and homogeneous(pros and cons), Industrial aspects.

Recap and develop from year 2: reaction types (e.g. ligand loss, ligand addition, migratory insertions, oxidative additions, etc.), analyse catalytic cycles for common processes (ethane and propene polymerization), discuss elements of design, selection of metal and ligand. A detailed look at Alkene hydrogenation, Hydroformylation. Heck, Suzuki, Stille, Alkene metathesis, Ring Opening Polymerization. Case studies on catalyst design/evolution.

Part 3:

The lanthanides: context of lanthanide chemistry, overview of applications; atomic and electronic structure, 4f orbitals; oxidation states and chemical bonding, comparison with the s-block; selected chemistry; spectroscopy and magnetism.

The actinides: occurrence of the actinides in Nature, man-made actinides; electronic structure, comparison of 5f and 4f orbitals; oxidation states, chemical bonding; selected chemistry, spectroscopy and magnetism.

Unseen Examination

Students should be able to:

• Formulate synthetic strategies to target specific ligand types, and predict the properties of resultant coordination complexes and supramolecular species.
• Understand the principles of organometallic chemistry which lead to applications in organic synthesis and catalysis.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental chemistry and physical properties of the 4f and 5f elements.

Part 1:

R. J. Young and P. A. Lovell, Introduction to Polymers, 3rd Ed. 2011, CRC press, Main Library Blue Floor 3, 541. 7Y4, and Joule Library 547.84YOU or as e-book.

M. P. Stevens, Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction, 3rd Ed. 1999, OUP, Main Library Blue Floor 3, 541.7, S78, and Joule Library 541.7STE.

For more depth: G. Odian, Principles of Polymerization, 4th Ed. 2004, Wiley, Main Library 541.7O7 or as e-book

Part 2:

R. H. Crabtree, The Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals, 5th Ed. Wiley, 2009. Main Library Blue Floor 3, 547.056 C1, or as e-book.

Ch. Elschenbroich. Organometallics, 3rd Ed. Wiley-VCH, Main Library Blue Floor 3, 547.9 E2, or as e-book

S. Bhaduri and D. Mukesh, Homogeneous Catalysis: Mechanisms and Industrial Applications. Wiley, 2000, Joule Library 660.097BHA.

S. P. Nolan (Ed.), N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Synthesis, Wiley, 2006, , Main Library Blue Floor 3, 547.1N22, or as e-book.

Part 3:

S. Cotton, Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry, 2006, Wiley, DOI:10.1002/0470010088

N. Kaltsoyannis and P. Scott, The f-elements, Oxford Chemistry Primers, No. 76

H. C. Aspinall, Chemistry of the f-block elements, CRC Press.