KEMA2140 Introduction to the Chemistry of Main Group Elements (4 cr)

• Basics of the main group element chemistry

• Compounds and reactions of the main group elements

• Non-covalent interactions

• Symmetry and point group symmetry of molecules

The course introduces the student to the chemistry and structures of the main group elements and the compounds they form. The course covers the basics of chemical bonding and directional non-covalent interactions, such as halogen bonds. The symmetry of molecules is described by point group symmetry. 

Students who have successfully completed the course:

• Knows the sources of main group elements.

• Knows the general properties of the main group elements.

• Knows the key compounds and reactions of the main group elements.

• Knows the nomenclature of compounds.

• Knows and is able to describe the key applications of the main group elements and the compounds they form.

• Understand the principles of chemical bonding and non-covalent interactions.

• Recognizes symmetry elements and operations of molecules and is able to describe molecular structures using point groups.

• Ability to exploit the properties of the main group elements and their compounds in chemical applications.

• Understands the basics of the reactivity and symmetry of the main group compounds and is able to use this information in chemical applications.

The course is lectured in Finnish, but it is possible to take it in English as a book exam.

Recommended courses: KEMP1111 Chemical Reaction, KEMP1121 Chemical Equilibrium and KEMP1131 Chemical Bonding, or similar knowledge gained elsewhere.

• M. T. Weller, T. L. Overton, J. P. Rourke, F. A. Armstrong: Inorganic Chemistry, 6. Ed, 2014, chapters: 6, 10-18.

• Articles and online materials assigned at lectures.