Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course gives a thorough introduction to organometallic chemistry with focus on the transition metals. The course starts with fundamental molecular properties and gradually develops this into practical applied catalysis. Structure and bonding issues in organometallic compounds are discussed in view of the 18-electron rule. Relevant and modern methods for characterization of organometallic compounds are described.

Different reactive ligand types are discussed, including σ-bonded ligands such as alkyl, aryl, and?hydride, as well as π-bonded ligands such as carbonyl, alkene, diene, alkyne, cyclopentadienyl, and arene. The properties of important ancillary ligands such as phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbenes are given special attention.

Organometallic reaction mechanisms are thoroughly discussed with emphasis 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 serves as the foundation for discussions about how organometallic complexes are utilized in homogeneous catalysis and in the activation of small molecules. The application of organometallics in catalysis is highlighted with selected important industrial processes.

Learning outcome

After completing the course you should:

  • have a good overview of the fundamental principles of organotransition-metal chemistry and know how chemical properties are affected by metals and ligands
  • be able to use knowledge about structure and bonding issues to understand the stability and reactivity of simple organometallic complexes
  • have insight into the use of modern methods to characterize organometallic compounds
  • understand fundamental reaction types and mechanisms and how to combine these to understand efficient catalytic processes
  • know important applications of organometallic homogeneous catalysis in the production of large-scale (bulk) and smaller-scale (fine chemicals) production

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must?apply for courses?in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in t