610-240 Inorganic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry A

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

One of chemistry 610-141, 610-161 or 610-051 AND one of 610-142, 610-162 or 610-052

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Upon completion of 610-240 students should have an understanding of the central role of inorganic and bio-inorganic chemistry in biological systems and emerging industry processes. This subject is developed via carefully chosen examples which include the role of nature's metal-scavanging ligands; the facilitation of life by the trace metals; organometallic chemistry; and the design of catalysts in industry and nature (enzymes).

Students should also have developed skills to synthesize simple inorganic molecules, an understanding of basic analytical and spectroscopic methods and skills to interpret and record observed chemistry.

The subject covers the topics the occurrence, uptake and transport of the essential trace elements; metal binding in complexes; iron nutrition in humans; transport of dioxygen by hemoglobin; the action of poisons; carbon monoxide and cyanide; organometallic chemistry; hydrogen, carbon monoxide and alkenes as ligands; activation of ligands for reaction and the design of catalysts; and structural and spectroscopic techniques.

The practical component of the subject will consist of a number of experiments involving the synthesis, chemistry and instrumental investigations of important inorganic and organometallic compounds.

Assessment

One 2-hour written examination at the end of semester. Assignments and tests may constitute up to 10% of the final assessment. Practical work will be continuously assessed in the form of short reports. Practical work must be completed satisfactorily before credit can be granted for the subject.

Prescribed Texts

• D F Shriver and P W Atkins, Inorganic Chemistry. 3rd ed., OUP, 1999.