KJM9210 – Organometallic Chemistry

Course content

The course gives a thorough introduction to organometallic chemistry with focus on the transition metals. The course starts with fundamental molecular properties and gradually develops this into practical applied catalysis. Structure and bonding issues in organometallic compounds are discussed in view of the 18-electron rule. Relevant and modern methods for characterization of organometallic compounds are described. Different reactive ligand types are discussed, including σ-bonded ligands such as alkyl, aryl, and hydride, as well as π-bonded ligands such as carbonyl, alkene, diene, alkyne, cyclopentadienyl, and arene. The properties of important ancillary ligands such as phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbenes are given special attention. Organometallic reaction mechanisms are thoroughly discussed with emphasis on ligand substitution, oxidative addition, reductive elimination, insertion and elimination reactions, nucleophilic and electrophilic addition and abstraction at ligands, and the involvement of carbenes in metathesis and polymerization. The accumulated know-how at this point serves as the foundation for discussions about how organometallic complexes are utilized in homogeneous catalysis and in the activation of small molecules. The application of organometallics in catalysis is highlighted with selected important industrial processes.

Learning outcome

After completing the course you should:

• have a good overview of the fundamental principles of organotransition-metal chemistry and know how chemical properties are affected by metals and ligands
• be able to use knowledge about structure and bonding issues to understand the stability and reactivity of simple organometallic complexes
• have insight into the use of modern methods to characterize organometallic compounds
• understand fundamental reaction types and mechanisms and how to combine these to understand efficient catalytic processes
• know important applications of organometallic homogeneous catalysis in the production of large-scale (bulk) and smaller-scale (fine chemicals) production
• be able to compile and give a seminar on a given topic

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

Recommended previous knowledge

One or more of KJM3000 – Applied Spectroscopy, KJM3200 – Organic Chemistry II, KJM3300 – Physical Chemistry II (discontinued) will form a good starting point.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with KJM5210 – Organometallic Chemistry.

Teaching

The course duration is one semester. The teaching consists of:

• 36-40 hours of lectures and
• 8 hours of group seminars.

In addition, you have to compile and give a mandatory seminar about a given topic. The seminar has to be approved before you can attend the exam.

The first lecture is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, the student administration at the Department of Chemistry, or else you will lose your place in the course.

Examination

• Final oral exam is 100 % of the grade

This course has mandatory seminar that must be approved before you can take the final exam.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed exam at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.