Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title LANTHANIDE AND ACTINIDE CHEMISTRY
Code CHEM488
Coordinator Dr HC Aspinall
Chemistry
Hca@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2014-15 M Level Second Semester 7.5

Aims

The aim of the module is to give students an overview of the most important aspects of the unique chemistry and spectroscopy of the lanthanide and actinide elements, illustrated with contemporary examples of the applications of their compounds in chemistry and technology.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have a broad understanding of the chemistry of the lanthanide and actinide elements, an understanding of how this differs from that of the d-transition metals, and an appreciation of a wide range of applications of lanthanide and actinide compounds.  They will understand the most important aspects of spectroscopy of compounds of the lanthanides.  They will have read some key papers in the recent literature.


Syllabus

Introduction and background
  • Occurrence and extraction of the elements
  • Electronic structure and magnetic properties of the elements
  • Oxidation states
  • Bonding in complexes

Coordination chemistry

  • Coordination numbers and coordination geometries of complexes
  • Complexes in aqueous solution: polyaminocarboxylates and related complexes
  • Chemistry involved in solvent extraction purification of the elements
  • Complexes with O-donor ligands: crown ethers and podands, b-diketonates, alkoxides
  • Complexes with N-donor ligands: aromatic N-donors, dialkylamides

Organometallic chemistry

  • Structural trends and bonding
  • Cyclopent adienyl complexes
  • Cyclo-ocatatetraenyl complexes
  • Alkyl complexes
  • Organometallic hydrides
  • Organometallic compounds in low oxidation states

Spectroscopy

  • Electronic absorption spectroscopy
  • Luminescence spectroscopy
  • NMR spectroscopy of paramagnetic complexes

Applications

  • NMR shift reagents (including chiral shift reagents)
  • Contrast agents for clinical magnetic resonance imaging
  • Luminescent compounds: lasers, phosphors, electroluminescent devices, luminescent probes for biological applications
  • Catalysts and reagents for organic synthesis

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures

Problem Classes

The course will be delivered via 16 50-minute lectures, supplemented by two problem sets which will be based on papers in the recent literature.  The problem sets will be discussed in two problem classes.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

  2

      18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen  2 hours  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written Examination. Both problem-solving questions and essay questions will be set in the examination. There will be some element of choice. August resit for PGT students if applicable. Integrated Master's students resit at the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             

Recommended Texts

''Chemistry of the f-block elements''  H. C. Aspinall, Gordon and Breach, 2001