Introductory description

The module aims to build on prior knowledge, acquired by students in term 1 and apply concepts to molecules and more complex structures in the form of real world materials.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Topic A: Periodicity and Main Group Chemistry
We will start by revising periodic trends introduced in Term 1 and extend this to trends in oxidation states across the whole Periodic Table: main group, transition metals, and f-block, including the ‘lanthanide contraction’, the ‘inert pair effect’ and the hard-soft model for Lewis acids. Descriptive chemistry of the main-group elements will be presented, showing how knowledge of electronic configuration can explain oxidation states, bond strengths, coordination number and reactivity of compounds. The emphasis will be on using the fundamental principles and not learning sets of compounds.

Topic B: Solid-State Structures and Materials
Solid-state structures will be considered using the ideas of sphere packing and filling of holes. Methods for calculating lattice enthalpy will be developed and used to test the ionic model and explain stability and solubility of salts. Ways of drawing three-dimensional structure will be introduced and distances within structures calculated. Metals, alloys and related phases will be described.

Topic C: Transition-Metal Complexes
Bonding in transition-metal complexes will be introduced, building on the concepts of MO theory to show coordination numbers and molecular shape depend on d-electron configuration. CFSE stabilisation will be introduced and used to rationalise electronic configurations (high / low spin) to explain properties such as magnetism, colour and ligand exchange. Distortions of molecular geometry from the ideal shapes will be introduced. Introduction of common types of neutral donor ligands.

Topic D: Macromolecules and Soft Materials
The topic of polymer chemistry will be introduced, starting from concepts of synthesis introducing concepts of structure and bonding, leading to properties that contrast those of solid-state materials. This will include polyalkenes, polyesters and polyurethanes. Real-world examples will be brought in from everyday uses of polymers to illustrate the concepts, and experimental techniques for understanding structure will be introduced.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of chemistry of an element in relation to its position in the Periodic Table
• To make predictions about the stability and reactivity of elements and their compounds
• Show an appreciation of periodic trends, both across a period and down a group, and use these to rationalise compositions and structures of observed compounds
• Understand and draw unit cells of simple crystalline materials, and use them to calculate atom-atom distances
• Understand the crystal structure of metals, alloys and ionic solids
• Use lattice enthalpies to predict decomposition and solubilities
• Understand how bulk properties of solids are derived from crystal structure
• Understand interaction of d-orbitals with ligands (sigma-only) in transition-metal complexes
• Account for number of unpaired electrons in a transition-metal complex
• Explain magnetic and electronic properties of transition-metal complexes
• Account for distortions of transition-metal complexes from regular geometry depending on their electronic configuration
• Appreciate bonding and bond strength and the role of metal complexes in optimising catalytic synthesis of polymers
• Understand the concepts of the synthesis, structure and bonding in synthetic organic polymers.
• Appreciate properties of synthetic polymers that contrast those of solid-state materials, including polyalkenes, polyesters and polyurethanes.
• Appreciate experimental techniques for understanding structure of organic polymers and soft materials
• Appreciate how chemical industry has changed the material world that we live in
• Understand how bonding, packing, molecular properties and crystallisation affect macroscopic material properties, from solid-state materials to macromolecules
• Appreciate how the properties and applications of everyday substances and materials found in Nature arise from fundamental chemical principles of structure and bonding

Indicative reading list

TBC

Subject specific skills

Understanding of the properties of elements as a function of their place in the periodic table. Reinforcement of the ideas of bonding, including metallic and ionic bonding. The unit cell and crystals. Energetics and defects of solids. Transition metals and complexes as a function of d-orbital population. Magnetic and spectroscopic properties of TM complexes and materials. Properties of macromolecules as a function of their structure. Emphasis throughout on real-world examples arising from these fundamental principles.

Transferable skills

Problem solving. Geometry and Maths in the real world. Team work via the use of problem based workshops and tutorials.