CH3I2-Clusters, Extended Arrays and Solid-State Chemistry

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Ann Chippindale
Email: a.m.chippindale@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To develop students’ knowledge of chemical systems as they increase in complexity from small molecules to clusters, extended arrays and finally to infinite solids. To introduce students to methods of synthesising different classes of material. To give the students a working knowledge of the relationship between structure and properties in the solid state together with technologically important examples.

An introduction to the chemistry of solids ranging from nanoparticles to small molecular clusters to extended solids. Why do some materials conduct electricity and some do not? How can ions move through solid structures? All this and more will be explained.

Aims:

To develop students’ knowledge of chemical systems as they increase in complexity from small molecules to clusters, extended arrays and finally to infinite solids. To introduce students to methods of synthesising different classes of material. To give the students a working knowledge of the relationship between structure and properties in the solid state together with technologically important examples.

Assessable learning outcomes:

To develop students’ knowledge of chemical systems as they increase in complexity from small molecules to clusters, extended arrays and finally to infinite solids. To introduce students to methods of synthesising different classes of material. To give the students a working knowledge of the relationship between structure and properties in the solid state together with technologically important examples.

Additional outcomes:
Students should be able to relate basic coordination chemistry both to supramolecular chemistry, and solid-state chemistry. The module should also provide students with background knowledge for Part 4 studies in Inorganic Chemistry.

Outline content:

Nanochemistry (5 lectures): Introduction to nanochemistry and nanomaterials, Quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. Artificially layered materials. Quantum wells. van der Waals’ heterostructures. Self-assembled nanostructures. Graphitic nanostructures: graphene, nanotubes, nanoribbons and boron nitride analogues. Nanoporous materials. Metal-organic Frameworks. (MOFs).Ìý

Solid State-Chemistry (10 lectures). Simple extended structures and structural building blocks, use of projections, and the determination of coordination numbers, coordination geometries and bond lengths. Applications of these concepts to the structures and properties of cuprate superconductors. The preparation of solids using both high- and low- temperature methods. Intercalation chemistry. The structure and properties of zeolites and other open-framework materials. The electronic properties of solids, including simple band theory. Ionic conductivity in solids. Applications in batteries, fuel cells and sensors.

Cluster Chemistry (5 lectures). Cluster and cage compounds, shapes of clusters. Boranes: classification, bonding (Wade’s Rules), 11B NMR spectroscopy. Carboranes: preparation, structure. Zintl ions: structures and applications of Wade’s rules. Isolobal relationships. Transition-metal carbonyl clusters: Fe, Ru and Os trinuclear clusters, Co, Rh and Ir tetranuclear clusters, carbido-metal carbonyl clusters, multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy. Transition-metal halide clusters of groups 5 and 6.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Twenty one-hour lectures supported by three tutorials, three revision tutorials and guided self-study.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	3
Tutorials		3
Guided independent study:		74
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term		97	3
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1.5 hours.

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will attend 3 tutorials and a workshop on the material covered in this module. Attendance is compulsory. A tutorial comprises both written work and oral contribution.Ìý

A maximum of 20 marks is available for the written work for each tutorial set.Ìý

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý None

4) Printing and binding:Ìý None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý None

Last updated: 30 March 2023