Course syllabus

Previous knowledge requirements:

General chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry at the BSc level

Learning goals:

-    Students should be able to explain the principles of ligand field theory and apply it to predict the electronic structure and properties of coordination complexes.
-    Students should be able to identify different coordination geometries and understand the factors that influence the geometry of coordination complexes. 
-    Students should understand the nature of metal-ligand bonding, including σ-bonding, π-bonding, and back-bonding, and be able to explain how different ligands affect the strength and nature of metal-ligand bonds.
-    Students should understand how magnetic properties are related to the electronic structure of coordination complexes 
-    Students should be able to chose physical methods (UV-Vis, IR, NMR, SCXRD, EPR, magnetometry etc) for investigating coordination chemistry problems.
-    Students should be able to explain the mechanisms of common reactions involving coordination complexes, such as substitution, redox, and photochemical reactions.
-    Students should understand the role of metal ions in biological systems, and be able to explain the coordination chemistry involved in biological processes.
-    Students should understand the applications of coordination chemistry in catalysis and be able to explain the underlying coordination chemistry principles involved.
-    Students should be aware of current research topics and trends in coordination chemistry.

Contents:

-    Principles of ligand field theory
-    Application of ligand field theory to predict electronic structure and properties
-    Correlation between ligand field strength and spectroscopic properties
-    Identification of different coordination geometries
-    Factors influencing coordination geometry
-    Structural and spectroscopic characterization techniques 
-    σ-bonding, π-bonding, and back-bonding 
-    Ligand effects on metal-ligand bond strength 
-    M;agnetic properties and electronic structure
-    Application of EPR spectroscopy 
-    Selection of physical methods for investigating coordination chemistry problems
-    Advanced techniques such as SCXRD for structural elucidation
-    Mechanisms of substitution, redox, and photochemical reactions
-    Kinetic and thermodynamic considerations in coordination chemistry reactions
-    Role of metal ions in biological systems
-    Coordination chemistry in metalloenzymes and metalloproteins
-    Application of coordination chemistry principles in understanding biological processes
-    Catalytic applications of coordination complexes in various reactions
-    Mechanistic insights into catalytic processes
-    Design principles for catalyst development based on coordination chemistry
-    Exploration of modern research topics in coordination chemistry