CH4004 Heavy Transition Metals

The course begins with an overview of the chemistry of the 2nd and 3rd row transition metal and f-block metal elements. This considers general features of comparison with the 1st row transition metals such as metallic radii, coordination numbers, oxidation states, metal-metal bonding, magnetic and electronic properties. A more detailed consideration of these topics is then taken looking at specific examples from the Platinum Group Metals. In particular the halide and oxo chemistry of Re and Ru are explored. To conclude the course considers the chemical properties of the f-block metals, particularly the organometallic chemistry of the lanthanides and the importance of cyclopentadienyl derivatives and COT as ligands.