Organometallic chemistry

The course gives a general introduction to organometallic chemistry with focus on the d-block transistion metals, although main group organometallic chemistry will also be discussed. The course starts with fundamental molecular properties and gradually develops this into practical applied catalysis. Structure, bonding, stability and reactivity of  organometallic compounds are discussed in view of the 18-electron rule. Spectroscopic methods such as IR, NMR for characterization of organometallic compounds are discussed. Different reactive ligand types are surveyed, including σ-bonded ligands such as alkyl, aryl, hydride, as well as π-bonded ligands such as carbonyl, alkene, diene, alkyne, cyclopentadienyl, and arene. Other important  ligands such as phosphines and N-heterocyclic carbenes and their coordination to transition metal are also discussed.  Organometallic reaction mechanisms are discussed with focus on ligand substitution, oxidative addition, reductive elimination, insertion and elimination reactions, nucleophilic and electrophilic addition and abstraction at ligands, and the involvement of carbenes in metathesis and polymerization. The accumulated know-how at this point will serve as the foundation for understanding of catalytic processes involving organometallic complexes. Some important industrial processes utilising  organometallic compounds as catalysts  are highlighted.