Advanced inorganic chemistry
Graduate · Chemistry
Syllabus focus
Theoretical / proof-based
Pricing
Graduate-level rates are set on consultation. See the pricing page for K–12 and undergraduate rates.
Topics typically covered
Theoretical / proof-based
Group theory and symmetry
- Point groups, symmetry operations, and character tables
- Reduction of representations and SALCs
- Molecular orbital theory using symmetry
- Selection rules for electronic and vibrational spectroscopy
- Tanabe–Sugano diagrams and ligand field parameters
- Jahn–Teller theorem and distortions
- Angular overlap model for metal–ligand interactions
- Spin-orbit coupling effects in heavy elements
- Magnetic properties from electronic structure
- Symmetry in crystallographic space groups (introduction)
Electronic structure methods
- Ligand field theory vs crystal field theory limitations
- MO diagrams for octahedral, tetrahedral, and square planar complexes
- Metal–metal bonding in dimers and clusters
- 18-electron rule exceptions and electron counting
- Oxidation state vs formal oxidation state debates
- Covalency and nephelauxetic series
- Charge transfer bands and intervalence transitions
- EPR spectroscopy: g-values and hyperfine coupling
- Mössbauer spectroscopy for iron oxidation states
- Computational inorganic chemistry: DFT for transition metals
Main-group and cluster chemistry
- Wade–Mingos rules for boranes and carboranes
- Electron-deficient bonding in main-group clusters
- Multiple bonding in heavier main-group elements
- Frustrated Lewis pairs and cooperative activation
- Low-coordinate main-group compounds
- Inorganic aromaticity: borazine, phosphazenes
- Zintl ions and intermetallic phases
- Organometallic main-group chemistry: Grignard, organolithium aggregates
- Hypervalent main-group compounds
- Structure–reactivity in main-group catalysis
Bioinorganic and materials connections
- Metalloprotein active sites: structural and electronic models
- Oxygen activation by heme and non-heme iron enzymes
- Nitrogen fixation: nitrogenase cluster structure
- Electron transfer in photosynthesis and respiration
- Metal ions in medicine: cisplatin mechanism, MRI agents
- Solid-state inorganic chemistry: perovskites, spinels
- MOFs and coordination polymers: design principles
- Inorganic nanomaterials synthesis mechanisms
- Surface organometallic chemistry on oxides
- Spectroscopic characterization of heterogeneous catalysts
Notes
Graduate-level inorganic chemistry for PhD and advanced MS students. Topics reflect common advanced inorganic chemistry syllabi at US research universities. Group theory and spectroscopy are typically emphasized.