CH4AI1: Advanced Topics in Inorganic Chemistry

Module code: CH4AI1

Module provider: Chemistry; School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Paz Vaqueiro , email: p.vaqueiro@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): This module is only available to students in the Department of Chemistry. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 29 May 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

In this advanced course, you will learn about fundamental aspects of homogeneous catalysis and the magnetic and electronic properties of inorganic materials. In addition, homogeneous catalysis will be taught using specific examples of metal-catalysed processes to illustrate its application in important industrial contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis and control of reaction mechanisms through identification of key intermediates and rate-determining steps. You will also discover how the underlying physical properties of inorganic materials can be exploited in functional materials for a range of technological applications. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate critical understanding of the theory, principles and concepts of homogeneous catalysis and the magnetic and electronic properties of materials. 
2. Analyse numerical and conceptual data to solve relevant problems of an advanced nature. 
3. Relate the functionality of a material to its underlying physical properties. 
4. Interpret kinetic, thermodynamic and spectroscopic data on catalytic cycles and propose mechanisms for reactions. 

Module content

Magnetochemistry (5 lectures + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop)

Key concepts in the quantum theory of atomic structure will be reviewed. The quantities and unit systems of magnetochemistry will be introduced and the significance and origin of paramagnetism and diamagnetism in materials will be discussed. Following a brief review of experimental measurement techniques, the temperature dependence of magnetic behaviour and its application to inorganic materials will be surveyed. The principal types of co-operative magnetic phenomena will be presented.

Electronic Properties of Solids (6 lectures + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop)

The band theory of solids will be used to explain the origin of metallic and non-metallic behaviour in inorganic materials. Band theory will be introduced as an extension of molecular orbital theory. The effects of electron repulsion in modifying the predictions of the simple theory will be described. Examples of the structures and properties of inorganic materials will be presented to illustrate how the underlying physical properties can give rise to specific functionalities.

Functional Materials for Energy Applications (6 lectures + 1 workshop + 1 revision workshop)

Key concepts in semiconductors. Principles of photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical conversion of solar energy. Materials for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices. Principles of thermoelectric power generation. Materials for thermoelectric devices.

Mechanisms in homogeneous catalysis (13 lectures + 2 workshops + 2 revision workshops)

Reaction mechanisms in coordination and organometallic chemistry. Tools in mechanistic analysis: kinetics with focus on pseudo-first order reactions, rate-determining step, thermodynamics (description of transient state), role of solvent, isotope-labelling and kinetic isotope effect. Dissociative and associative reactions of tetrahedral, square-planar and octahedral complexes.

Introduction to principal reactions undertaken at transition-metal centres. Description of important homogeneous catalytic cycles, including a consideration of mechanistic aspects. Asymmetric catalysis.