Principles and Applications of Metallorganic Chemistry

Goals
The aim of the course is the full understanding of the different processes in which metals are active (stoichiometric syntheses, catalytic cycles, model compounds, bio and/or pharmacologic species). Considering the target of this course, together with the actual perspective of the industrial production, the interaction M-C will be particularly considered and thus the reactivity of organic molecules when linked to a metal. Simple examples of M-H, M-N and M-O interactions will be also considered.

Short Course Description
The aim of the course is the full understanding of the different processes in which metals are active (stoichiometric syntheses, catalytic cycles, model compounds, bio and/or pharmacologic species). Considering the target of this course, together with the actual perspective of the industrial production, the interaction M-C will be particularly considered and thus the reactivity of organic molecules when linked to a metal. Simple examples of M-H, M-N and M-O interactions will be also considered.

Course content
Metal-Carbon bond; thermodinamic and kinetic stability. Li, Mg, Al and Si alkyls. Metal Carbon bond in transition metal complexes. A short account on the molecular Orbital Theory; sigma and pi complexes. Sigma donor, pi donor and pi acceptor ligands. 18 electrons rule. Complexes with hydrogen. Complexes with alkenes, dialkenes and acetylenics. Complexes with phosphines. Conic angle. Carbonilic complexes. Cyclopentadienylic and arenic complexes. Allylic, carbonic and nitrenic complexes. Complexes with dioxygen. Oxo, peroxo and superoxo complexes. Metal-metal bond. Clusters with transition metals. Exchange of ligands reactions. Oxidative adduition and reductive elimination. Insertion-migration reactions and electron transfer reactions.
Role of the complexes in homogeneous catalysis, in modelling, in nonlinear optics and in photovoltaics.
Interaction between an organometallic precursor and the surface.

Reference material
Recommended reading:
- Organometallics Ch. Elschenbroich - A. Salzer VCH Ed.
- Principles and applications of organotransition metal complexes. Collman - Hegedus University Science Books
- The Organometallic Chemistry of the transition metals.- R.H. Crabtree - Wiley Ed. Fifth Edition

Assessment methods
Oral examination. The student must demonstrate to have acquired the basic knowledge on the mechanisms and processes involving the metal -ligand bond and their possible applications in industrial most innovative fields.

Language
English

Attendance
Strongly Suggested

Teaching methods
Traditional