Structure and bonding in inorganic systems are the general subjects of this course. Both main group and transition metal chemistry are discussed.

This lecture course will introduce students to the interdependence of chemical bonding, spectroscopic characteristics, and reactivity properties of coordination compounds and complexes using the fundamental concept of symmetry.  After reviewing atomic structure, the chemical bond, and molecular structure, the principles of coordination chemistry will be introduced.   A basic familiarity with symmetry will be formalized by an introduction to the elements of symmetry and group theory.  The students will use symmetry and group theory approaches to understand central atom hybridization, ligand

This course introduces the chemistry of transition metals and main group elements. Topics include theories of bonding, kinetics and mechanisms of reactions of transition metal complexes, oxidation-reduction reactions, hard-soft acid-base theory, and solid-state chemistry. Applications of inorganic chemistry to other areas (organic, analytical, and physical chemistry, as well as biology and biochemistry) are highlighted throughout the course. The laboratory portion of the course involves the synthesis and spectroscopic investigation of inorganic complexes.

Introduces students to a broad overview of modern inorganic chemistry. Included are considerations of molecular symmetry and group theory, bonding and molecular orbital theory, structures and reactivities of coordination compounds, organometallic chemistry, catalysis and transition metal clusters. Laboratory experiences will include the measurement of several important features of coordination compounds, such as their electronic spectra and paramagnetism, as well as the synthesis and characterization of organometallic compounds.

This course is composed of two components:

A. Lecture:

A study of the chemistry of inorganic compounds, including the principles of covalent and ionic bonding, symmetry, periodic properties, metallic bonding, acid-base theories, coordination chemistry, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory work is required.

The class is divided into two parts. In the first part students learn the physical principles involved with the absorption of light and the photophysical and photochemical processes that may occur aafter the abosrption of light. The second part uses literature discussions and student presentations to explore applications of photophysical and photochemical reactions in inorganic chemistry