Structure and Bonding

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Construct molecular orbital energy level diagrams for homo- and heterodiatomic molecules
• Use Lewis structures and VSEPR to explain bonding, geometry and shapes in molecules and ions
• Calculate lattice parameter, distances between ions, packing density and gravimetric density of ionic solids
• Describe the ionic chemistry of groups 1 and 2
• Draw radial and angular wavefunctions, and boundary surface diagrams to describe the shapes of atomic orbitals
• Assign symmetry elements and point groups to molecules and ions
• Explain lattice structures in terms of packing, ionic bonding and energetics, and draw metallic and ionic-derived structures
• Explain aspects of the structure of hydrogenic atoms, including quantum numbers, electron spin, aufbau principles, electronic structure, shielding and penetration

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Meet the learning outcomes of a co-requisite practical module.

AO/MO theory: Hydrogenic atoms, quantum numbers and atomic orbitals; Radial and angular wavefunctions and the shapes of atomic orbitals; Electron spin, aufbau principles, electronic structure, shielding/penetration and the Periodic Table; Linear combinations of atomic orbitals;

Molecular orbital theory, boundary surface diagrams, sp-mixing and energy level diagrams of homo- and heterodiatomic molecules;

Shape and symmetry of molecules; Lewis structures of polyatomic molecules and ions, including formal charges and resonance structure.

VSEPR, geometry and shape of molecules and ions; Molecular symmetry elements and operations; Introduction to point groups and symmetry classification.

Ionic chemistry and lattice structures: Ionic bonding model; Description of lattices – lattice points, the unit cell, crystal systems, Bravais lattices; Hexagonal and cubic close packing including stacking arrangements, packing density, interstitial holes; metal structures;Simple ionic-derived structures e.g. CsCl, NaCl, ZnS (x 2), NiAs, TiO2, and calculation of their densities and lattice parameters; Energetics of lattices, and the determination of lattice enthalpy using Born Haber cycles and the Born-Mayer equation; Ionic chemistry of the Group 1 and 2 elements.

Lectures, problem classes, small group tutorials and laboratory sessions.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Mid-term test

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.