Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

This course deals with inorganic chemistry, discussing the presence and role of inorganic elements in biological systems and in novel nanomaterials. Focus is on d-block elements in various oxidation states and the molecular structure of corresponding coordination complexes considering variations in ligands and geometries. The electron configuration and spectroscopic properties of lighter and heavier (d- & and f-) metal complexes are evaluated with Crystal Field and Ligand Field theory as well as spin-orbit coupling aspects. Various Optical (Absorption, Luminescence) and Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy techniques will be introduced (ESR, NMR and MRI) to evaluate the dynamics, structural properties and function of metal complexes, including catalytic aspects. Homo- and heteronuclear NMR techniques will be taught with focus on nuclear spin-spin as well as electron spin-nuclear spin interactions. Attention is paid to metal-ligand interactions in metalloenzymes and the structural and functional aspects thereof. Special attention is for the application of paramagnetic metal complexes. Tuning ligand is put in perspective to (photo)chemical and physical properties as well as homogneous catalysis. During laboratory classes diamagnetic and paramagnetic metal coordination complexes will be synthesized and analyzed, linking MO theory to the physical-chemical properties of metal compounds. It further provides training in the use of magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopic equipment, the interpretation of spectra resulting in the deduction of molecular structure and geometry.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• understand the importance of inorganic chemistry (in particular d- and f-block elements);
• demonstrate understanding of Crystal-Field, Ligand-Field theory and spin-orbit coupling;
• relate (photo)physical optical and magnetic properties of metal complexes;
• assess heteronuclear 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy in characterization of metal complexes;
• assess coordination chemistry to topics in nanomaterials and catalysis;
• synthesize transition metal coordination complexes and characterize them by 1D and 2D MR and optical spectroscopic techniques

Mandatory Knowledge:
BNT20806 Bio-Inorganic Chemistry