Submitted by David R. Weinberg / Colorado Mesa University on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 14:13
My Notes
Description

This activity is meant to teach students about the types of homogeneous transition metal C-H bond functionalization catalysts. Before class, the students will read a short discussion of inner- and outer-sphere C-H bond functionalization catalysts. Then they will use their knowledge of transition metal oxidation states and ligands in order to assess whether a variety of catalysts react via inner- or outer-sphere pathways. Based on what they know about these catalysts, they will also decide whether or not the selectivity of these catalysts is mainly dictated by the C-H bond strengths of the substrates.

Learning Goals

A student should be able to predict

      - available oxidation states for metals in a variety of complexes.

      - whether a catalyst will undergo one- or two-electron chemistry based on the metal's available oxidation states.

      - ligands that will likely directly react with a C-H bond.

      - whether or not there are any open coordination sites around a metal center.

      - whether a C-H bond functionalization catalyst will react via an inner- or outer-sphere pathway.

      - whether the selectivity of a C-H bond functionalization catalyst will be mainly dictated by the C-H bond strengths

         in the substrates.

 

Equipment needs

none

Implementation Notes

I have not yet attempted to implement this learning object. It is meant for an organometallic or advanced inorganic class.

Time Required
55 - 75 minutes in-class with 15 minutes of before-class reading

Evaluation

Evaluation Methods

Student learning will be assessed by how well they analyze the last few problems during the in-class discussion. Similar questions will also be included in tests and quizzes.

Creative Commons License
Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share Alike CC BY-NC-SA