VIPEr

Topics Covered:

Acid-base chemistry

Professional skills development

Chemical literature

Coordination chemistry

Periodic trends

Physical properties

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Course Level:

22 Jun 2018

Bonding and MO Theory in Flavodiiron Nitrosyl Model Complexes - Foundation Level

Submitted by James F. Dunne, Central College

Additional Authors:

Amanda Grass, Wayne State University

Andrea Wallace, College of Coastal Georgia

Cassie Lilly, Meredith College

Douglas A. Vander Griend, Calvin College

Jocelyn Pineda Lanorio, Illinois College

John DiMeglio, University of Michigan

Meng Zhou, Lawrence Technological University

Pavithra Hetti Achchi Kankanamalage, Wayne State University

Sarah Shaner, Southeast Missouri State University

Sunshine Silver, North Park University

Vince Hradil, Concordia University Chicago

Evaluation Methods:

An answer key is included for faculty.

Evaluation Results:

This LO was developed for the summer 2018 VIPEr workshop, and has not yet been implemented. Results will be updated after implementation.

Description:

This acitivty is a foundation level discussion of the Nicolai Lehnert paper, "Mechanism of N-N Bond Formation by Transition Metal-Nitrosyl Complexes: Modeling Flavodiiron Nitric Oxide Reductases". Its focus lies in discussing MO theory as it relates to Lewis structures, as well as an analysis of the strucutre of a literature paper.

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Course Level:

Topics Covered:

Professional skills development

Chemical literature

Computer modeling

Coordination chemistry

Learning Goals:

Upon completion of this activity, students will be able to:

Write a balanced half reaction for the conversion of NO to N2O and analyze a reaction in terms of bonds broken and bonds formed.
Evaluate the structures of metal complexes to identify coordination number, geometry (reasonable suggestion), ligand denticity, and d-electron count in free FeII/FeIII centers.
Recognize spin multiplicity of metal centers and ligand fragments in a complex.
Interpret a reaction pathway and compare the energy requirements for each step in the reaction.
Draw multiple possible Lewis Structures and use formal charges to determine the best structure.
Draw molecular orbital diagrams for diatomic molecules.
Identify the differences in bonding theories (Lewis vs MO), and be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Interpret calculated MO images as σ or π bonds.
Identify bond covalency by interpreting molecular orbital diagrams and data.
Define key technical terms used in an article.
Analyze the structure of a well written abstract.
Identify the overall research goal(s) of the paper.
Discuss the purposes of the different sections of a scientific paper.

Subdiscipline:

Bioinorganic Chemistry

Coordination Chemistry

Science Skills, Practices, and Resources

Implementation Notes:

The paper in which this discussion is centered around is very rich in concepts, and will take time for students to digest. As the technical level is higher than most foundation level course, it is strongly recommended that students focus on the structure of the paper, and not the read the entire paper. The discussion is modular with focuses on both MO theory drawn form the paper, as well as a general anatomy of how literature papers are organized and what constitutes a good abstract. Either focus could take a single 50 minute lecture, with two being necessary to complete both aspects. Instructors can choose either focus, or both depending on their course learning goals.

This was developed during the 2018 VIPEr workshop and has not yet been implemented. The above instructions are a guide and any feedback is welcome and appreciated!

Time Required:

One or two 50 minute lectures depending on instructor's desired focus

Web Resources:

Mechanism of N–N Bond Formation by Transition Metal–Nitrosyl Complexes: Modeling Flavodiiron Nitric Oxide Reductases

17 Jan 2018

Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory

Submitted by Anne Bentley, Lewis & Clark College

3 Jun 2017

Literature Discussion of "A stable compound of helium and sodium at high pressure"

Submitted by Katherine Nicole Crowder, University of Mary Washington

Additional Authors:

Nicholas A. Piro, Albright College

Rebecca M. Jones, George Mason University

William G Dougherty, Susquehanna University

Evaluation Methods:

Students could be evaluated based on their participation in the in-class discussion or on their submitted written answers to assigned questions.

Evaluation Results:

This LO has not been used in a class at this point. Evaluation results will be uploaded as it is used (by Spring 2018 at the latest).

Description:

This paper describes the synthesis of a stable compound of sodium and helium at very high pressures. The paper uses computational methods to predict likely compounds with helium, then describe a synthetic protocol to make the thermodynamically favored Na₂He compound. The compound has a fluorite structure and is an electride with the delocalization of 2e^- into the structure.

This paper would be appropriate after discussion of solid state structures and band theory.

The questions are divided into categories and have a wide range of levels.

Dong, X.; Oganov, A. R.; Goncharov, A. F.; Stavrou, E.; Lobanov, S.; Saleh, G.; Qian, G.-R.; Zhu, Q.; Gatti, C.; Deringer, V. L.; et al. A stable compound of helium and sodium at high pressure. Nature Chemistry 2017, 9 (5), 440–445 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2716.

Corequisites:

Course Level:

Topics Covered:

Bonding models: Extended systems

Physical methods / analytical techniques

Physical properties

Prerequisites:

No Prerequisites

Atomic Structure and Periodicity

Learning Goals:

After reading and discussing this paper, students will be able to

Describe the solid state structure of a novel compound using their knowledge of unit cells and ionic crystals
Apply band theory to a specific material
Describe how XRD is used to determine solid state structure
Describe the bonding in an electride structure
Apply periodic trends to compare/explain reactivity

Subdiscipline:

Solid State and Materials Chemistry

Spectroscopy and Structural Methods

Related activities:

Metal - Noble Gas Bonding

Solid State Models with ICE Solid State Model Kits

Looking at Solid State Structures

Implementation Notes:

The questions are divided into categories (comprehensive questions, atomic and molecular properties, solid state structure, electronic structure and other topics) that may or may not be appropriate for your class. To cover all of the questions, you will probably need at least two class periods. Adapt the assignment as you see fit.

CrystalMaker software can be used to visualize the compound. ICE model kits can also be used to build the compound using the template for a Heusler alloy.

Time Required:

2 class periods

Web Resources:

A stable compound of helium and sodium at high pressure

ICE Solid State Model Kits

3 Jun 2017

An ion exchange method to produce metastable wurtzite metal sulfide nanocrystals

Submitted by Janet Schrenk, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Additional Authors:

Barbara Reisner, James Madison University

Catherine McCusker, East Tennessee State University

Eric Villa, Creighton University

Meng Zhou, Lawrence Technological University

Evaluation Methods:

Evaluation methods are at the discretion of the instructor. For example, you may ask students to provide written answers to the questions, evaluate whether they participated in class discussion, or ask students to present their answers to specific questions to the class.

Description:

In this literature discussion, students use a paper from the literature to explore the synthesis, structure, characterization (powder XRD, EDS and TEM) and energetics associated with the production of a metastable wurtzite CoS phase. Students also are asked define key terms and acronyms used in the paper; identify the goal of the experiments and determine if the authors met their goal. They examine the fundamental concepts around the key crystal structures available.

Preserving Both Anion and Cation Sublattice Features during a Nanocrystal Cation-Exchange Reaction: Synthesis of a Metastable Wurtzite-Type CoS and MnS

Powell, A.E., Hodges J.M., Schaak, R.E. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 471-474.

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jacs.5b10624

There is an in class activitiy specifically written for this paper.

Corequisites:

Course Level:

Topics Covered:

Electronic spectroscopy

Extended structure

Kinetics

Physical methods / analytical techniques

Prerequisites:

Solid State and Materials Chemistry

Learning Goals:

In answering these questions, a student will be able to…

define important scientific terms and acronyms associated with the paper;
describe the rocksalt, NiAs, wurtzite, and zinc blende in terms of anion packing and cation coordination;
differentiate between the structure types described in the paper;
explain the difference between thermodynamically stable and metastable phases and relate it to a free energy diagram; and
describe the structural and composition information obtained from EDS, powder XRD, and TEM experiments.

Subdiscipline:

Nanochemistry

Spectroscopy and Structural Methods

Related activities:

Investigating the structures of close packed solids in metal sulfide nanocrystals

Thinking about Mechanisms of Metal Ion Exchange

Solid State Models with ICE Solid State Model Kits

Visualizing solid state structures using CrystalMaker generated COLLADA files

Solid State Stoichiometry Online

X-ray Crystallography

Close Packing Activity

Introduction to Miller Indices

Implementation Notes:

This learning object was created at the 2017 IONiC Workshop on VIPEr and Literature Discussion. It has not yet been used in class.

Time Required:

50 minutes

Web Resources:

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 471-474

3 Jun 2017

A Stable Monomeric SiO2 Complex with Donor-Acceptor Ligands: Foundational Implications of Lewis-Acid base interactions in Stabilizing SiO2

Submitted by Gary L. Guillet, Armstrong State University

Additional Authors:

Brandon Quillian, Armstrong State University

Chip Nataro, Lafayette College

Maria Carroll, Providence College

S. Chantal E. Stieber, Cal Poly Pomona

Evaluation Methods:

This LO was craeted at the pre-MARM 2017 ViPER workshop and has not been used in the classroom. The authors will update the evaluation methods after it is used.

Description:

This module offers students in an introductory chemistry or foundational inorganic course exposure to recent literature work. Students will apply their knowledge of VSEPR, acid-base theory, and thermodynamics to understand the effects of addition of ligands on the stabilities of resulting SiO₂-containing complexes. Students will reference results of DFT calculations and gain a basic understanding of how DFT can be used to calculate stabilities of molecules.

Topics Covered:

Acid-base chemistry

Atomic Structure and Periodicity

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Subdiscipline:

Coordination Chemistry

A Stable Monomeric SiO2 Complex with Donor–Acceptor Ligands

Learning Goals:

Students should be able to:

Apply VSEPR to determine donor and acceptor orbitals of the ligands
Identify lewis acids and lewis bases
Elucidate energy relationships
Explain how computational chemistry is beneficial to experimentalists
Characterize bond strengths based on ligand donors

Course Level:

First year

Second year

Implementation Notes:

Students should have access to the paper and have read the first and second paragraphs of the paper. Students should also refer to scheme 2 and table 2.

This module could be either used as a homework assignment or in-class activity. This was created during the IONiC VIPEr workshop 2017 and has not yet been implemented.

Time Required:

50 min

Web Resources:

3 Jun 2017

A Stable Monomeric SiO2 Complex with Donor-Acceptor Ligands: Foundational examination of Lewis dot structures and bond enthalpies

Submitted by Maria Carroll, Providence College

Additional Authors:

Brandon Quillian, Armstrong State University

Chip Nataro, Lafayette College

Gary L. Guillet, Armstrong State University

S. Chantal E. Stieber, Cal Poly Pomona

Evaluation Methods:

This learning object was created at the pre-MARM workshop in 2017 and as such has not been used in a classroom setting. The authors will update the learning object once they have used it in their classes.

Description:

This module offers students in an introductory chemistry or foundational inorganic course exposure to recent literature. Students will apply their knowledge of Lewis dot structure theory and basic thermodynamics to compare and contrast bonding in SiO₂ and CO₂.

Corequisites:

Course Level:

First year

Second year

Topics Covered:

Prerequisites:

Learning Goals:

Students should be able to:

Describe the bonding in SiO2 and related compounds (CO2)
Use Lewis dot structure theory to predict bond orders
Apply bonding models to compare and contrast bond types and bond energies (sigma, pi)
Characterize bond strengths based on ligand donors

Subdiscipline:

A Stable Monomeric SiO2 Complex with Donor-Acceptor Ligands: Foundational Application of VSEPR for Understanding Crystallographic Data

Related activities:

Implementation Notes:

Students should read the first paragraph of the paper prior to completing this learning object. They can be encouraged to read more of the paper, but the opening paragraph is the focus of this learning object.

Time Required:

50 min

Web Resources:

The source paper

11 Apr 2017

Johnson Matthew Catalytic Reaction Guide

Submitted by Sheila Smith, University of Michigan- Dearborn

Evaluation Methods:

No evaluation yet

Evaluation Results:

No results yet

Description:

This guide, available in print, online and in an app, allows users to look up appropriate catalysts and conditions to accomplish a wide variety of reactions.

Topics Covered:

Prerequisites:

Organic Chemistry

Subdiscipline:

Bioinorganic Chemistry

f-block Chemistry

Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics

Organometallic Chemistry

Corequisites:

Course Level:

Upper Division

Learning Goals:

A student should be able to use the Catalytic Reaction Guide (CRG) to identify appopriate reaction conditions and catalysts to accomplish a wide variety of reactions.

Implementation Notes:

I have not yet used this... I just picked up a copy at ACS, but will add to this as I implement it in my classroom.

Time Required:

variable

Web Resources:

JM Fine Chemicals Catalytic Reaction Guide

10 Apr 2017

Redox Chemistry and Modern Battery Technology

Submitted by Zachary Tonzetich, University of Texas at San Antonio

Evaluation Methods:

I do not grade this activity, but if I did, I would look for class participation in the discussion or assign several of the questions to be turned in at a later date.

Evaluation Results:

My impression of this activity is that it really helps students see the value of redox chemistry. In my experience, the aspects of redox chemistry we teach students (balancing equations, calculating cell potentials, etc.) seem both difficult and esoteric. This activity reinforces these concepts while demonstrating their importance to modern life. One of the biggest realizations the students come to is the relationship between cell voltage and the mass of the materials involved in the redox reaction.

Description:

This In-Class Activity is a series of instructor-guided discussion questions that explore lithium-ion batteries through the lens of simple redox chemistry. I use this exercise as a review activity in my Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry course to help prepare for examinations. However, my primary purpose with this exercise is to impress upon students how basic concepts in redox chemistry and solid-state structure are directly relevant to technologies they use everyday. I do not focus too heavily on the design or operation of the batteries themselves, as other exercises published on VIPEr already do a very good job of that. My intention is to demonstrate how a basic knowledge of redox chemistry is the first step in understanding seemingly complex technologies.

Learning Goals:

The primary goal of this In-Class Activity is for students to solidify their understanding of redox reactions, cell voltages and the relationship between electrical energy and potential. The exercise is also designed to show students how these considerations are part of the design of modern batteries. A secondary aspect of the activity explores the solid-state structure of metal-oxides and how these materials are important to the operation of the battery. At the conclusion of the activity, the student should be familiar enough with calculaing cell voltages and free energy changes that they can critically evaluate the components of a standard battery.

Equipment needs:

None.

Subdiscipline:

Electrochemistry

Solid State and Materials Chemistry

Course Level:

Upper Division

Prerequisites:

Bonding models: Extended systems

Corequisites:

No Corequisites

Topics Covered:

Electron transfer

Putting electrochemistry to use: Design of new lithium-ion battery anodes

Related activities:

Battery in class activity

Energy Nuggets: Engineering Viruses to Build a Better Battery

Implementation Notes:

I display the pdf file on screen and use the white board to work out simple arithmetic aspects of the exercise, while soliciting responses from the class.

Time Required:

45 minutes

21 Feb 2017

Diverting Wilkinson's Catalyst: Critical Analysis of a Literature Paper

Submitted by Matt Whited, Carleton College

Evaluation Methods:

Graded problems students turned in.

Informal evaluation during discussion.

Evaluation Results:

Graded assignments: mean of 84, std dev of 12, so a fairly broad range of understandings

Informal: Students really enjoyed getting to evaluate published work critically and were quite engaged in discussions, which helped to bring some of the students who didn't understand the paper as well up to speed. After the paper, students have felt much more comfortable questioning what is stated in papers, particularly if little or no support is given.

I will definitely use this again! Unfortunate to find a paper with several important oversights in the literature, but it is a good learning opportunity.

Description:

This LO is a problem-set-style literature discussion that leads students through a critical analysis of an interesting but flawed paper from the recent chemical literature. Students use the questions to help them work through the paper prior to class, providing plenty of raw material for an in-class discussion about various aspects of the work from a mechanistic organometallic perspective. The questions help students critically analyze substrate tables, spectroscopic data, and computational results from DFT.

Topics Covered:

Acid-base chemistry

Physical methods / analytical techniques

Chemical literature

Kinetics

Corequisites:

Prerequisites:

Course Level:

Learning Goals:

Students will be able to pull out important mechanistic information from substrate tables in an organometallic paper
Students will be able to use knowledge of organometallic mechanisms and organic chemistry to rationalize findings in a catalysis paper
Students will be able to use knowledge of spectroscopy, particularly NMR, to understand structure and bonding arguments in an organometallic paper
Students will critically analyze a paper and learn to feel comfortable questioning assertions by authors, including the major findings of a paper

Subdiscipline:

Coordination Chemistry