4. Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry is the study of the properties, structures, and reactions of compounds made from almost all elements in the periodic table. Unlike Organic Chemistry, which focuses on carbon-based compounds, Inorganic Chemistry covers a diverse range of materials, from metals and minerals to advanced materials and catalysts. Its applications are vast, shaping fields like Renewable Energy, Medicine, Materials Science, and Environmental Chemistry.

A particularly intriguing area of Inorganic Chemistry is the study of transition metalsGet their name from the fact that they sit in the d-block in between the highly reactive s-block and less reactive p-block., which are elements found in the d-block of the periodic table. These metals form complex ions with unique and important properties. For example, their ability to interact with light gives rise to the vibrant colours in many metal complexesAre combinations of a metal center and ligands. They are denoted by the use of square brackets [ ]. The central metal atom is always named first. This is sometimes followed by the ligands. Outside the square brackets any counterions or the charge of the complex is listed., seen in gemstones, pigments, and dyes.

In this module, you will explore key concepts like crystal field theoryIs a concept which explains how the d-orbitals (the outermost most orbitals in transition metals) are split when exposed to a “field of ligands”. The splitting of the orbitals depends on the strength and the position of the ligands. Typical strong ligands are CN- and CO while typical weak ligands are H2O and Cl-. and the origins of colour in transition metal complexes, unlocking their fascinating Chemistry.