Methane activation by a tungsten allyl

Submitted by Chip Nataro / Lafayette College on Fri, 12/02/2016 - 17:41
Description

The literature discussion is based on a paper by Legzdins (Organometallics, 2017, 36, 26). In this work, the C-H activation of methane by a [Cp*W(NO)(allyl)(alkyl)] compound is described. The paper is extremely well written and approachable for undergraduates, although the initial length and large quantity of experimental data might be a bit intimidating at first. The problem of using methane is a signifiant real world problem and as such should provide an interesting context to talk about this paper.

Introduction to Atom Economy and the Hydroamination Reaction

Submitted by Eugene Chong / University of Michigan on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 02:04
Description

This 5 slides about introduces the term "atom economy" as a means for undergraduates to start thinking about the efficiency of synthetic reactions. While this term may not be the best measure of the overall process of a reaction (as it ignores other factors such as solvents and materials used in purification), it provides a nice introduction to a concept on green chemistry. An example of an atom economic reaction, hydroamination, is briefly highlighted as it is an important ongoing research area. Notes for the instructor are included in the slides.

Activating H2: Mechanisms for Catalytic Hydrogenation and Hydroborylation

Submitted by Elizabeth Jensen / Aquinas College on Thu, 06/30/2016 - 22:02
Description

Based on the literature reference, this activity allows students to discover inner-sphere and outer-sphere catalytic hydrogenation mechanisms then apply their knowledge to hydroborylation. This is a guided-inquiry in-class activity that students can complete in small groups or individually with instructor support. 

Oxorhenium(V) Methyl, Benzyl, and Phenyl Complexes: New Mechanism for Carbonyl Insertion

Submitted by Matthew Riehl / Minnesota State University, Mankato on Thu, 06/30/2016 - 20:59
Description

The article “Synthesis and Reactivity of Oxorhenium(V) Methyl, Benzyl, and Phenyl Complexes with CO; Implications for a Unique Mechanism for Migratory Insertion,” Robbins, LK; Lilly, CP; Smeltz, JL; Boyle, PD; Ison, EA;, Organometallics 2015, 34, 3152-3158 is an interesting read for students studying reaction mechanisms of organometallic complexes.  The reading guide directs students to the sections of the paper that support the question posed in the Discussion Questions document. 

Design, synthesis, and carbon-heteroatom coupling reactions of organometallic nickel (IV) complexes (Sanford)

Submitted by Daniel Kissel / Lewis University on Thu, 06/30/2016 - 17:05
Description

This literature discussion is designed for upper-level inorganic chemistry students. The article explores the motivations, design, and characterization of novel nickel(II) and nickel(IV) complexes for carbon-heteroatom bond forming reactions. Students can apply and integrate their knowledge of organic chemistry mechanisms, organometallic chemistry, and techniques for characterizing metal-ligand compounds that include NMR and CV.

Zones of Catalysis: Only the Metal? A literature Discussion of Outer-Sphere Hydroboration

Submitted by Santiago Toledo / St. Edward's University on Thu, 06/30/2016 - 14:51
Description

This literature activity is designed to introduce students to the concept of outer-sphere hydroboration catalytic reactions. It can be used after hydrogenation and hydroboration reactions have been introduced in class (typically covered in organic chemistry). Additionally, this activity allows students to apply their understanding of redox chemistry, acid base chemistry, and physical techniques to characterize products and elucidate reactions mechanisms.

A Guided-Inquiry Approach to Building a Catalytic Cycle

Submitted by M. Watzky / University of Northern Colorado on Mon, 06/27/2016 - 19:00
Description

This activity introduces students to fundamental types of organometallic reactions, and directs them to examine how each of these reactions affects the total electron count for the organometallic complex and the oxidation state of the central metal.  Students are then directed to use these reactions to build a sequence of steps for a catalytic cycle.

George Stanley Organometallics

Submitted by Adam Johnson / Harvey Mudd College on Fri, 06/10/2016 - 14:53

This is an LO for the collection of organometallics LOs by George Stanley. Adam Johnson is curating the material that was written by George.

For many years, George hosted his organometallics lecture notes, powerpoint slides, and handouts, on his personal website at LSU. He always wanted that material available to the public. Recently, they moved to a CMS and that material is no longer available. Adam is working with George to get the 2016-2017 version of his materials up on VIPEr for everyone to use.

The lecture notes are freely available to all.

Working with Catalytic Cycles

Submitted by Matt Whited / Carleton College on Mon, 09/28/2015 - 14:05
Description

Students work in groups to identify relevant steps and intermediates in 3 catalytic cycles, all the while considering bonding (and electron counting) factors.  Following assignment of these steps and intermediate species, the students consider several questions related to catalysis more broadly, particularly the role of each reagent, how to speed up or slow down specific steps, and the importance of regiospecificity in certain steps.

Iron Cross-Coupling Catalysis

Submitted by Laurel Goj Habgood / Rollins College on Wed, 09/16/2015 - 13:08
Description

In this experiment, students will synthesize and characterize an iron complex followed by completion of two series of catalytic cross-coupling reactions mimicking the methodology utilized by organometallic chemists to balance catalyst efficacy and substrate scope.  Initially the complex Fe(acac)3 [acac =  acetylacetone] is prepared.  Two sets of catalytic reactions are completed: one comparing different iron catalysts (Fe(acac)3, FeCl2, FeCl3) while the other compares substrates (4-chlorotoluene, 4-chlorobenzonitrile, 4-chlorotrifluorotoluene).