Organometallic Chemistry

Course goals

1. Have knowledge of the main classes of organometallic compounds, i.e. compounds involving C–M and/or H–M bonds where M ranges from alkali metals (Li, Na, K) to p-block elements (B, Al, Si, …) to transition metals.
2. Describe the bonding situation in organometallic compounds of the main group and of transition metals, e.g. using molecular orbital concepts.
3. Understand and predict the reactivity of these compounds.
4. Apply fundamental concepts to solve specific problems in the fields of organic synthesis and catalysis.
5. Present a research topic of current interest on the basis of the scientific literature

Content

Organometallic chemistry lies at the interface between the traditional fields of organic and inorganic chemistry. It studies molecular compounds that combine the ubiquitous elements of organic chemistry, namely carbon and hydrogen, with metals in a broad sense. In other words, it can be described as the chemistry of metal–carbon and metal–hydrogen bonds. The fascinating diversity of organometallic compounds has challenged our understanding of chemical bonding over the years – and still does. Beyond this fundamental aspect, such compounds enjoy a broad range of applications. Perhaps the most widely recognized are their use in the synthesis of organic molecules, both as reagents and catalysts, but organometallic compounds also receive interest in various areas such as medicinal chemistry and photoelectrochemical devices.
 
This course covers the main classes of organometallic compounds, i.e. compounds involving C–M and/or H–M bonds where M ranges from alkali metals (Li, Na, K) to p-block elements (B, Al, Si, …) to transition metals. It includes aspects of chemical bonding, structure, reactivity and applications of organometallic compounds.

This course builds on basic knowledge in both organic and inorganic chemistry to understand the chemistry of organometallic compounds, which play a central role in homogeneous catalysis and in modern synthetic organic chemistry. This course complements the level 3 courses “Catalysis” (SK- BKATA) and “Organic Chemistry 3” (SK-BORC3), together providing a strong background in advanced molecular chemistry.
 
The MSc Course “Organometallic Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis” (SK-MOCHC), which is a primary elective in the MSc program “Sustainable and Circular Chemistry” (SCC), builds on the knowledge provided in the BSc course “Organometallic Chemistry”.