Download Chem 400 Chem 340 Inorg Review [AR].S17

Chem 400
Spring, 2017
2/14/17
Chem 340 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
Review
Theme: "Electrons Behaving Boldly"
1. Electron properties
Shielding and deshielding. Graphs of wave probability functions of various orbitals ranging
from the 1s to the 3p permit understanding of why some orbitals experience less shielding
by inner electrons than others.
Bonding - bond energy, strength, length, etc. rationalizing trends in these properties.
Metallic Bonding - provides understanding of conductance in solid metals, luster,
malleability, metallic magnetism
Bonding with nonmetals, d-orbitals, transition metals, Band Gap Principles
2. Molecular orbital theory - orbital interactions, paramagnetism, probability density,
nodes
M.O. theory is one of the most important ideas in chemistry – it allows the analysis of bonding
in molecules based on orbital interactions and is the basis for a clearer understanding of
bonding and flow of electrons in all of chemistry.
Provides a context for understanding the continuum of bonding types.
As a new way of thinking of bonding interactions between metals and nonmetals
it accounts for D-orbital interaction, colors in transition metal complexes, Δoct
Zeff and Slater’s Rules
3. Transition metal chemistry - reactions, coordination complexes, axial vs. equatorial
One of the most important areas of inorganic chemistry – predicting coordination numbers,
reactions, placement of ligands in axial and equatorial positions
d orbitals - Jahn-Teller distortion, CFSE
Understanding d orbitals, including their shape, orientation with regard to conventional axes,
interactions, distortion as a result of ligand binding and the energy changes that result,
calculating and interpreting crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE) and how it affects high
spin/low spin configurations – all of these are vital to the understanding and interpretation of
inorganic chemistry, especially where it applies to understanding reactions.
Crystal Field Theory - In crystal field theory the 5 degenerate d orbitals split into two sets,
the low energy T2g and the high energy eg.
Ligand Field Theory - introduces the concept of sigma donor and pi acceptor ligands - a dual
bonding mode
4. Types of compounds – molecular vs. ionic vs. network covalent, oxides, hydrides, and their
reactions.
Recognizing, by their different properties, different types of compounds and being able to
predict the outcomes of different reactions is a very important aspect of inorganic chemistry,
especially where laboratory work is involved.
5. Bond Symmetry
Bond symmetry and structure can be some of the most difficult concepts to grasp and more
importantly, visualize. There are symmetry axes, planes of symmetry, inversion center, rotation
reflection axes, and identity. The combination of these in a molecule leads it to being placed in
a point group the defines a molecules symmetry structure (symmetry element) and how it
relates to other molecules.
6. Hard and Soft Acids and Bases
New concept ! Intuitive, but not easily quantified.
Soft acids and bases tend to be large, polarizable and of low charge density.
Hard acids and bases tend to be small and high charges and weakly polarizable.
Hard goes with hard and soft goes with soft.
This concept can be useful in describing and understanding reactions.
Learning Goals for Chem 340 (Spring, 2016):
1. CONTENT areas. After completing Chem 340 you should be able to:
Read the periodic table to predict properties of elements and compounds
Use quantum theory of electron waves and atomic orbitals to explain periodic trends in atomic
properties and relate to inorganic chemistry
Describe and use appropriately different bonding theories as they apply to different areas of
inorganic chemistry including M.O. theory
Predict and describe the shapes of molecules using point groups and symmetry; both main group
and transition metals
Use quantitative bond data to interpret bonding in both molecular and ionic compounds
Use crystal field theory and M.O.theory to interpret bonding, magnetic and electronic properties
of transition metal complexes
Understand how and when to use the 18 electron rule for organometallic transition metal
complexes
 Use M.O. theory to describe solid state compounds and elements including metals.
2. PROCESS SKILLS.
After completing Chem 340 you will improve your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing
skills. You will be able to:

Examine a set of quantitative or qualitative data and apply the principles and theories of
inorganic chemistry to interpret and draw conclusions from the observations
Use writing to develop your understanding of the principles and theories of inorganic chemistry
and their application in the interpretations of observations.
Use writing to discuss and present your interpretations and conclusions.
