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.