C8794 - CHIMICA METALLORGANICA E CATALISI OMOGENEA

Learning outcomes

Organometallic Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis (6 ECTS)

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, students will have acquired advanced knowledge of the synthesis, structure, reactivity and characterization of organometallic compounds. They will understand the role of organometallic complexes as key intermediates in homogeneous catalytic processes and their applications in both bulk and fine chemical industries.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the activation of small molecules such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, olefins, carbon dioxide and C–H bonds, highlighting their central role in modern catalytic processes and in the development of sustainable chemical technologies.

 

Course contents

Organometallic Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis (6 ECTS)

Course Aims

The course provides advanced tools for understanding, analysing and designing homogeneous catalytic cycles based on transition-metal complexes.

The course follows a mechanistic and comparative approach, enabling students to relate the structure and electronic properties of organometallic complexes to their reactivity and catalytic performance.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Apply both the ionic and covalent electron-counting methods correctly.
2. Assign oxidation states, coordination numbers and molecular geometries, providing appropriate chemical justification.
3. Analyse and discuss complete catalytic cycles.
4. Interpret IR and multinuclear NMR spectra of organometallic complexes.
5. Compare catalytic systems in terms of activity, selectivity, stability and reaction mechanism.
6. Evaluate catalytic processes using Green Chemistry metrics, including atom economy, turnover number (TON), solvent selection and energy efficiency.
7. Critically analyse and present a recent research article from the scientific literature.

Course Structure

The course is organised into three progressive modules.

Module 1 – Fundamentals of Organometallic Chemistry (30%)

Main topics include:

• Electron counting (ionic and covalent methods)
• The 16- and 18-electron rules
• Relationships between oxidation state, coordination number, geometry and electronic configuration
• Metal–CO, metal–alkyl, metal–hydride and metal–CO₂ bonding
• Migratory insertion reactions
• β-Hydride elimination
• Oxidative addition and reductive elimination
• Activation of H₂, C–H bonds and CO₂
• Agostic interactions
• Introduction to the spectroscopic characterization of organometallic compounds (IR and multinuclear NMR)

Learning goal: to provide students with the theoretical tools required to understand and construct reaction mechanisms.

Module 2 – Analysis of Homogeneous Catalytic Cycles (40%)

Two representative catalytic systems will be studied in detail:

1. Rhodium-catalysed hydroformylation
2. Olefin metathesis (Schrock and Grubbs carbene complexes)

For each catalytic system, the following aspects will be discussed:

• Catalyst structure
• Complete catalytic cycle
• Rate-determining step
• Role of ancillary ligands
• Innocent and non-innocent ligands
• Comparison between different catalytic systems

Learning goal: to develop students' ability to analyse, compare and rationally design catalytic processes.

Module 3 – Catalysis and Sustainability (30%)

The principles of Green Chemistry will be applied to the catalytic systems presented in Module 2.

Topics include:

• Atom economy
• Turnover Number (TON)
• Turnover Frequency (TOF)
• Selectivity and by-product formation
• Solvent selection
• Energy efficiency
• Strategies for improving catalytic sustainability

Learning goal: to evaluate catalytic processes from both scientific and environmental perspectives.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended Textbooks

• Miessler, Fischer & Tarr – Inorganic Chemistry (Organometallic Chemistry chapters)
• Hartwig – Organotransition Metal Chemistry: From Bonding to Catalysis
• Crabtree – The Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals
• Van Leeuwen – Homogeneous Catalysis: Understanding the Art

Teaching methods

Teaching Methods

The course combines traditional lectures with active learning strategies, including:

• Interactive lectures
• Small-group problem solving
• Mechanistic exercises
• Guided discussion of recent scientific articles and ACS educational videos
• Formative quizzes with immediate feedback
• Collaborative construction and discussion of catalytic cycles

Students are encouraged to participate actively in class discussions. The emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and chemical reasoning rather than rote memorization.

Lecture slides and supporting materials will be made available in advance whenever possible.

Assessment methods

Assessment Prerequisites

Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of:

• VSEPR theory
• Oxidation states
• Ligand field theory
• Molecular orbital theory
• Fundamental organic chemistry

Student assessment consists of two equally weighted components.

A. Scientific Presentation (50%)

Each student will prepare a 10–12 slide PowerPoint presentation based on a recent research article (published within the last five years) selected from a list provided by the instructor.

The oral presentation (approximately 15 minutes) should:

• Introduce the scientific background
• Discuss the proposed reaction mechanism
• Highlight the novelty and limitations of the work
• Evaluate the sustainability of the catalytic process

Slides should contain clear molecular structures, reaction schemes and mechanisms, with limited text to support an effective scientific presentation.

Assessment criteria include:

• Scientific understanding
• Mechanistic analysis
• Critical thinking
• Clarity of presentation
• Evaluation of the environmental impact of the proposed chemistry

B. Individual Oral Examination (50%)

The oral examination will focus on general course topics and on a team-based scientific assignment discussed during the semester.

Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to:

• Perform electron counting
• Interpret spectroscopic data
• Compare catalytic systems
• Discuss reaction mechanisms
• Apply theoretical concepts to new chemical problems

The final grade will be based on the combined performance in both assessment components.

  Student Workload

The 6 ECTS course corresponds to approximately 150 hours of student workload, including:

• Lectures
• Independent study
• Preparation of the scientific presentation
• Reading and analysis of research articles

The course has been designed to promote in-depth understanding rather than superficial coverage of a large number of topics.

Student Support

Students are encouraged to attend individual or small-group office hours whenever additional clarification is needed.

Supporting material will be provided in advance whenever possible, and particular attention will be given to students entering the course with different academic backgrounds.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The course contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting the development of more efficient, selective and sustainable catalytic processes.

In particular, the course addresses:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4 – Quality Education
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13 – Climate Action

Teaching tools

Student Workload

The 6 ECTS course corresponds to approximately 150 hours of student workload, including:

• Lectures by slides helping method and scientific papers reading
• quizzes with in class discussed solutions, with collective proposed answers by small groups mediated by the teacher
• Independent study
• Preparation of the scientific presentation
• Reading and analysis of research articles
• RSC videos and questionnaires

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Bordoni