The purpose of this course is to provide a broad perspective on organometallic and inorganic chemistry. This spans the s, p, d and f blocks of the periodic table, and includes molecular complexes, clusters and materials. This course will cover aspects of synthesis, structure, bonding, properties, reactivity and applications of such compounds. This includes main group organometallics (e.g. Grignard reagents, organolithium reagents, organophosphorus compounds), cluster chemistry, porous materials (e.g. zeolites and metal-organic frameworks), and lanthanoid and actinoid chemistry. The laboratory component of the course will aim to develop skills in the handling of air-sensitive compounds using Schlenk techniques and the purification of compounds using chromatographic techniques. Students will also build on their expertise in both acquisition and data analysis of a range of analytical techniques including NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopies.
Note: This course is taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Rationalise and integrate the synthesis of main group, organometallic and inorganic compounds, lanthanoid and actinoid compounds and porous materials.
- Analyze the structure, bonding, properties, reactivity and applications of these chemical species.
- Refine and hone chemical synthesis laboratory skills, including effective laboratory safety and etiquette, especially in the handling of air sensitive reagents, chromatographic techniques and spectroscopic characterisation.
- Evaluate specialised chemical knowledge through report writing and data analysis.
Other Information
A pass in the laboratory work is required in order to gain a pass in CHEM6323. To pass the laboratory, you must complete all laboratory sessions and submit reasonable attempts of all laboratory reports.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignment (15) [LO 1,2]
- Mid-semester test (15) [LO 1,2]
- End of semester exam (30) [LO 1,2]
- Laboratory reports (40) [LO 3,4]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week plus approximately 32 hours of laboratory throughout the semester.
- Approximately 62 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
“Inorganic Chemistry” by M. Weller, T. Overton, J. Rourke, and F. Armstrong, 7th edition, 2018.
Assumed Knowledge
Synthetic laboratory based skills at the second year chemistry level and a background in organic / inorganic / organometallic chemistry at the second year level.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3110 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |