Coordination Chemistry
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 102 pages
- 7 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 78 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CHM423, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CHM423 · UNIT1: INTRODUCTION TO COORDINATION CHEMISTRY
The complex species is enclosed in square bracket while the anions satisfying only the primary valency lie outside the coordination sphere (square bracket). Note that anions in the coordination sphere satisfied both primary and secondary valencies but the molecules only satisfy secondary valency.
What you should be able to do
- Identify and name coordination compounds
- Explain bonding theories in metal complexes
- Apply spectroscopic techniques for structural analysis
- Describe reaction mechanisms in coordination chemistry
- Analyze thermodynamic stability of complexes
What it prepares you for
- Chemist
- Materials Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Pharmaceuticals
- Petrochemicals
- Materials Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Agrochemicals
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Theories of Structure and Bonding
Unit 1: Theories of Structure and Bonding
Molecular Orbital Theory requires a strong foundation in quantum mechanics and linear combinations of atomic orbitals, making it difficult to visualize and apply to complex systems.
- Module 3: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation
Unit 1: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation
The interpretation of electronic spectra requires a thorough understanding of term symbols, selection rules, and Tanabe-Sugano diagrams, which can be challenging to master.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 62 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry
Unit 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry · 4 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 2Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry
Unit 2: Nomenclature and Coordination Number of Complexes · 4 hours
Name metal complexes using IUPAC system. Identify coordination number of metal complexes. State possible geometry associated with a given coordination number.
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry
Unit 3: Isomerism in Complexes · 4 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 4Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry
Unit 4: Preparation and Reactions of Complexes · 4 hours
Explain methods of preparing metal complexes. Identify types of reactions in metal complexes. Understand substitution reactions and the trans effect.
- Week 5Module 2: Theories of Structure and Bonding
Unit 1: Theories of Structure and Bonding · 6 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 6Module 3: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation
Unit 1: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation · 6 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 7Module 4: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes
Unit 1: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes · 6 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 8Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry
Unit 2: Nomenclature and Coordination Number of Complexes · 4 hours
Review nomenclature and coordination number. Practice naming complexes. Work through examples of coordination number determination.
- Week 9Module 1: Introduction to Coordination Chemistry
Unit 3: Isomerism in Complexes · 4 hours
Review isomerism concepts. Practice identifying structural and stereoisomers. Work through examples of geometric and optical isomers.
- Week 10Module 2: Theories of Structure and Bonding
Unit 1: Theories of Structure and Bonding · 6 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 11Module 3: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation
Unit 1: Physical Methods of Structural Investigation · 4 hours
Review electronic spectroscopy principles. Practice interpreting electronic spectra. Work through examples of d-d transitions and charge transfer transitions.
- Week 12Module 4: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes
Unit 1: Thermodynamic Stability and Reaction Kinetic of Complexes · 4 hours
Review thermodynamic stability concepts. Practice calculating stability constants. Work through examples of chelate effect and reaction mechanisms.
- Week 13Comprehensive Review
Final Revision · 6 hours
Comprehensive review of all modules. Solve practice problems. Prepare for final examination.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking bonding theories to spectroscopic properties (Modules 2-3)
- Practice IUPAC nomenclature for diverse complex structures (Module 1)
- Review reaction mechanisms and stability constants (Module 4)
- Solve assigned problems from each unit weekly, focusing on TMAs
- Prioritize understanding of CFT and MOT for spectral interpretations (Module 3)
Questions students ask about this course
What is CHM423 about?
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.
How many units does CHM423 have?
CHM423, Coordination Chemistry, has 7 units across 4 modules, over 102 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CHM423?
CHM423 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is CHM423 hard?
CHM423 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.
How long does CHM423 take to study?
About 78 hours of study, spread across its 7 units.
How is CHM423 assessed?
CHM423 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CHM423?
Chemist, Materials Scientist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst and Pharmaceutical Scientist.