Main-Group Element Chemistry
Full course description
This course will provide a comprehensive survey of main-group element chemistry from a traditional perspective (looking at the main-group elements and their structures, bonding patterns, properties, reactivity and allotropes) but also focus on modern developments in the field. Since the early 1980s main-group chemistry has experienced burgeoning growth since it was found that main-group elements can also participate in multiple bonding. This will be discussed, and the chemistry of these compounds, which violate the so-called double-bond rule compared to that of carbon compounds. Reactivity and applications of reactive main-group element compounds will be introduced.
Course objectives
- To survey the structures and reactivity of main-group elements period for period.
- To discuss the notion of allotropy;
- Dissect structure, bonding and reactivity in main-group element compounds;
- To examine modern developments (since 1980) in this rapidly moving field;
- To look at molecular compounds of heavy main-group elements (Sn, Ge, Pb, As, Sb, etc.) and their bonding patterns and reactivity;
- Discuss compounds violating the double-bond rule and their chemistry.
Prerequisites
- None
Recommended
- CHE2002 Inorganic Chemistry
Co-requisites
- None
Recommended reading
Inorganic Chemistry (Weller, Overton, Rourke, Armstrong) and Research Publications.