(1) Student choses and reads a journal article of his/her choice that is related to a topic we have discussed during the semester. (i.e. atomic structure, MO theory, group theory, solid state structure, band theory, coordination chemistry, organometallics, catalysis). Suggested journals include, but are not limited to JACS, Inorg. Chem., Organometallics, Angew. Chem., JOMC, Chem. Comm.)

(2) Student answers the following questions regarding their chosen article:

    (a) Describe, in 1 or 2 sentences the goal of this work. 

In this paper by Andersen and Berg (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1988, 110 (14), pp 4849–4850) the authors present magnetic measurements that refute the calculated ground state of an organometallic cobalt nitrosyl dimer. Students will learn about two physical techniques for measuring magnetism and will learn how magnetic measurements can be used to indicate paramagnetism versus diamagnetism.

This is a literature discussion based on an interesting Bergman/Arnold paper utilizing d² niobium imido complexes for the semihydrogenation of arylalkynes to Z-alkenes.  The mechanism is quite unusual, and I found it to be an interesting paper to discuss after we had talked about the classical hydrogenation mechanisms (typically observed for late transition metals).  The students should come into the discussion understanding fundamental reaction mechanisms (including σ-bond metathesis), and it's helpful if they are somewhat familiar with mono- and dihydride mech