Course Identification

1. Structure and Bonding: brief overview of transition metal orbitals, electron counting, formal oxidation state, 18-e rule, geometries for transition metal complexes (Crystal Field Theory, MO description), σ- and π-bonding, metal-metal bonding.
2. Comprehensive survey of types of ligands for  TM (transition metal) complexes, and their electronic and steric properties. Typical spectroscopic methods and techniques for the characterization of TM complexes.
3. Chemical processes on TM: ligand exchange, oxidative addition, reductive elimination, migratory insertion, nucleophilic attack on the ligand. Mechanisms and synthetic outcomes. 
4. Selected representative applications of TM complexes in catalysis: mechanistic and practical view.

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Understand fundamentals of organometallic chemistry from the inorganic, organic and catalytic standpoints. 
2. Analyze TM complexes and their ligands, understand their steric and electronic parameters. 
3. Understand typical chemical processes associated with metal complexes including their mechanistic features.
4. Understand mechanisms and applications of basic organic transformations catalyzed by TM complexes.  

1. R. H. Crabtree "The Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals"; 
2. J. Hartwig "Organotransition Metal Chemistry: From Bonding to Catalysis";