2019-2020 / CHIM0728-1

Design, structure and reactivity of chemical architectures

Duration

50h Th

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Master in chemistry (60 ECTS)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Lionel Delaude, Anne-Sophie Duwez

Coordinator

Anne-Sophie Duwez

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course is made of two parts: coordination chemistry (I) and nanostructures (II)
(I) The part of the course on coordination chemistry is devoted to the study of the physicochemical properties of coordination compounds. After a general introduction retracing the history and laying the foundation for modern coordination chemistry, the electronic, magnetic and optical properties of complexes are discussed in great length on the basis of quantum mechanics. Then, in the final chapter, some important catalytic applications of coordination compounds in organic synthesis as well as in enzymatic systems and in human medicine are presented.
Table of Contents:

  • Chapter 1: Formation of metal complexes
  • Chapter 2: Electronic Structures of Complexes
  • Chapter 3: Magnetic Properties of Complexes
  • Chapter 4: Optical Properties of Complexes
  • Chapter 5: Catalysis by Coordination Complexes
(II) Le cours abordera ces phénomènes physico-chimiques particuliers (effets de taille et de confinement, thermodynamique, magnétisme, propriétés optiques, effets quantiques et réactivité chimique des nanostructures). Le cours donnera un aperçu des techniques de fabrication des nanostructures, et discutera également des outils de caractérisation de l'infiniment petit. Le cours donnera également un aperçu critique de l'évolution du monde des "nanotechnologies". Au début des années 2000, le lobbying des chimistes du domaine des matériaux a détourné la définition pour l'appliquer à tous les objets dont au moins une des dimensions est inférieure à 100 nm. Cette définition élastique a le désavantage d'englober des objets dont les propriétés physico-chimiques ne diffèrent pas, ou peu, de celles des matériaux macroscopiques. On nous promet des nanorobots et des matériaux intelligents révolutionnaires. Entre marketing médiatico-scientifique, et véritable évolution et convergence des sciences traditionnelles, ce cours donnera un éclairage averti sur les avancées réelles et les enjeux scientifiques.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of this course, students will be able:

  • to understand the fundamentals of physical chemistry applied to coordination complexes,
  • to predict the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of these compounds,
  • to explain their catalytic activity.
Learning independence. Search for information. Acquisition of questioning mind. Time management. Development of analytical ability (essential information vs details). Development of deductive skills. Development of collaborative work

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Notions of quantum chemistry, group theory, molecular spectroscopy, organometallic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.
Good knowledge in physical chemistry.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

(II) Problem-based learning

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

(I) Thirteen lessons of 120 minutes each will be given during the first quadrimester. Upon student request, a few of these lessons may be devoted to solving the problems listed in the lecture notes.
 
(II) 8 sessions of 2h during which the students solve the questions by groups.

Recommended or required readings

Detailled lecture notes including end of chapter exercises are available as pdf files from the student portal or via the web site http://www.lcfi.ulg.ac.be/coord/. Most of the chapters are written in French. However, the last part of the course is available in English to stress the importance of this language in the modern scientific world and to connect with the organometallic chemistry course of the third year bachelor in chemical sciences.
  Slides made available to the students (e-campus). References cited in the slides. Book: Nanosciences: The invisible revolution, by C. Joachim and L. Plevert. World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd, 2009.

Assessment methods and criteria

A written examination lasting 3 h will be organized during the january session. It will be followed on the same day or the day after by a brief optional oral examination lasting 15 minutes to allow the student to comment and explain his/her written answers. The use of lecture notes, a vade mecum on group theory, and any other personal manuscript notes is permitted during the assessment. With the possible exception of a non programmable calculator, the use of any electronic device (mobile phone, computer, notepad, camera,...)  is strictly prohibited during the examinations.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

(I) Lionel Delaude
Institut de chimie organique Bâtiment B6a, local 3.70c Tel: (04) 366-3496 E-mail: l.delaude@uliege.be
 
(II) Prof. A.-S. Duwez Department of Chemistry B6a, local 4/10 Sart-tilman, 4000 Liège E-mail: asduwez@uliege.be

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session

Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning

Assessment subjects

Assessment methods

Contacts

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session

Assessment subjects

The evaluation of the part of the course devoted to coordination chemistry during the session of August-September 2020 will cover all the topics included in the course notes.
For part II, physical-chemistry of nanostructures, same subject as in january.

Assessment methods

For the part of the course devoted to coordination chemistry, a remote, open book written examination  with a duration of 3 hours will be organized during the August-September 2020 session. It will be followed on the same day or the day after by a brief optional oral examination lasting 15 minutes to allow the student to comment and explain his/her written answers.
Questions of the written examination will be sent to you by email. To answer them, you will need blank sheets of paper and a dark blue or black pen. A smartphone, tablet or computer capable of taking photos and transmitting them over the internet will also be necessary to send your answers at the end of the examination.
The optional 15-minute oral examination will be organized via Lifesize videoconference.
 
Part (II) physical chemistry of nanostructures: written work on the same subject as for the exam of January. PPT presentation to send by email to AS Duwez
 
 
 

Contacts

(I) Lionel Delaude
Institut de chimie organique Bâtiment B6a, local 3.70c Tél: (04) 366-3496 E-mail: l.delaude@uliege.be
 
(II) Prof. A.-S. Duwez Department of Chemistry B6a, local 4/10 Sart-tilman, 4000 Liège E-mail: asduwez@uliege.be