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CHM423Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Coordination Chemistry

This course introduces the fundamental principles of coordination chemistry, focusing on the structure, properties, and applications of coordination compounds. It covers nomenclature, isomerism, bonding theories (Valence Bond Theory, Crystal Field Theory, Ligand Field Theory, and Molecular Orbital Theory), and reaction mechanisms. Spectroscopic techniques such as electronic and vibrational spectroscopy are explored for structural elucidation. The course also examines thermodynamic stability, reaction kinetics, and the chelate effect in metal complexes.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Coordination ChemistryMetal ComplexesLigandsSpectroscopyReaction Mechanisms

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Coordination Compounds

2

Nomenclature of Complexes

3

Isomerism

4

Bonding Theories

5

Electronic Spectroscopy

6

Reaction Mechanisms

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

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Chemist

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Materials Scientist

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Research Scientist

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Quality Control Analyst

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Pharmaceutical Scientist

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PharmaceuticalsPetrochemicalsMaterials ScienceEnvironmental ChemistryAgrochemicals

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

4h

Unit 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

4 study hours
  • Define coordination compounds
  • Explain Werner's contributions
  • Differentiate between electrolyte and non-electrolyte complexes
  • Recognize different types of ligands
  • State applications of coordination compounds
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

4h

Unit 2: Nomenclature and Coordination Number of Complexes

4 study hours
  • Name metal complexes using IUPAC system
  • Identify coordination number of metal complexes
  • State possible geometry associated with a given coordination number
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

4h

Unit 3: Isomerism in Complexes

4 study hours
  • Define isomerism in coordination chemistry
  • Differentiate between structural isomerism and stereoisomerism
  • Identify different structural isomers of a given complex
  • Differentiate between geometric and optical stereoisomerism
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

4h

Unit 4: Preparation and Reactions of Complexes

4 study hours
  • Explain methods of preparing metal complexes
  • Identify types of reactions in metal complexes
  • Understand substitution reactions and the trans effect
Week
5

Module 2: Theories of Structure and Bonding

6h

Unit 1: Theories of Structure and Bonding

6 study hours
  • State the theories used to describe bonding in metal complexes
  • Explain Valence Bond Theory (VBT)
  • Explain Crystal Field Theory (CFT)
  • Explain Ligand Field Theory (LFT)
  • Explain Molecular Orbital Theory (MOT)
Week
6

Module 3: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation

6h

Unit 1: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation

6 study hours
  • State various methods used in structural investigation of complexes
  • Explain the principle and use of electronic spectroscopy in structural investigation of complexes
  • Explain the principle and use of vibrational spectroscopy in structural investigation of complexes
  • Explain the principle and use of magnetic measurement in structural investigation of complexes
Week
7

Module 4: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes

6h

Unit 1: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes

6 study hours
  • Explain the fundamental difference between reaction thermodynamic and kinetics
  • Write chemical equilibrium expression and determine step-wise stability constant and overall stability constant of complexes
  • Estimate and interpret the entropy and free energy of complexes
  • Explain reaction mechanism in complexes
Week
8

Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

4h

Unit 2: Nomenclature and Coordination Number of Complexes

4 study hours
  • Review nomenclature and coordination number
  • Practice naming complexes
  • Work through examples of coordination number determination
Week
9

Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry

4h

Unit 3: Isomerism in Complexes

4 study hours
  • Review isomerism concepts
  • Practice identifying structural and stereoisomers
  • Work through examples of geometric and optical isomers
Week
10

Module 2: Theories of Structure and Bonding

6h

Unit 1: Theories of Structure and Bonding

6 study hours
  • Review Valence Bond Theory (VBT)
  • Crystal Field Theory (CFT)
  • Ligand Field Theory (LFT)
  • Molecular Orbital Theory (MOT)
  • Compare and contrast the bonding theories
Week
11

Module 3: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation

4h

Unit 1: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation

4 study hours
  • Review electronic spectroscopy principles
  • Practice interpreting electronic spectra
  • Work through examples of d-d transitions and charge transfer transitions
Week
12

Module 4: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes

4h

Unit 1: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes

4 study hours
  • Review thermodynamic stability concepts
  • Practice calculating stability constants
  • Work through examples of chelate effect and reaction mechanisms
Week
13

Comprehensive Review

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours
  • Comprehensive review of all modules
  • Solve practice problems
  • Prepare for final examination

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking bonding theories to spectroscopic properties (Modules 2-3)

2

Practice IUPAC nomenclature for diverse complex structures (Module 1)

3

Review reaction mechanisms and stability constants (Module 4)

4

Solve assigned problems from each unit weekly, focusing on TMAs

5

Prioritize understanding of CFT and MOT for spectral interpretations (Module 3)

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