Course Title

Chemical Applications of Group Theory

Course Number

423522

Instructor Name

Hikmat S. Hilal

Contact Information

[email protected]

Semester(s) and academic year(s)

Second Semester 2021
Second Semester 2020
First Semester 2019

Compulsory / Elective

Compulsory

The course starts with terminology and definitions of molecular symmetry operations, matrix representation, point groups, reducible and irreducible representations, character tables and reduction equation. Applications of group theory to different aspects of chemistry, specially bonding, structure and spectroscopy, are rigorously included. 

The course helps the student understand basics of group theory and its applications to different aspects of chemistry. Bonding theory, metal clusters, vibrational spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy and organic reactions are rigorously involved.

Upon completing this course, the students are expected to able to:

1. Implement details of molecular symmetry including symmetry elements, operations and symmetry point groups to different chemical compound structures
2. Use necessary mathematical basic information in group theoretical applications, including matrices, reduction formula, reducible and irreducible representations
3. Apply group theory in valence bond theory treatment of structure and bonding
4. Apply group theory in molecular orbital theory treatment of bonding and structure
5. Apply group theory in studying vibrational spectra of different inorganic compounds.
6. Use Group Theory in metal-metal cluster compounds (metal carbonyls and quadrupole bonds)

Apply group theory to predict concerted organic reactions.

1. Hikmat S. Hilal & Abdel-Hafez Sayda, A Short Course on Group Theory and Chemical Applications, Novascience Publ., 2011.
2. A. Vincent, Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory, 2^nd ed, (2000), J. Wiley.
3. F.A. Cotton, Chemical Applications of Group Theory, 3^rd ed, (1990), J. Wiley; ANU   Library Code   541.22015122 COT
4. J. Barrett, Introduction to Atomic Molecular Structure, J. Wiley
5. I. Fleming, Frontier Orbitals and Organic Chemical Reactions, J. Wiley
6. G.B. Gill & M. R. Willis, Pericyclic Reactions, Chapman
7. B. Douglas, D. H. McDaniel, J. J. Alexander, Models and Concepts of Inorganic Chemistry, 3^rd ed., (1994), J. Wiley & Sons,
8. R. L. Carter, Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory, (1997), J. Wiley & Sons, ISBN-10: 0471149551.
9. FA Cotton and G Wilkinson, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, J. Wiley.
10. F.A. Cotton, Chemical Applications of Group Theory, 3^rd ed, (1990), J. Wiley; ANU   Library Code   541.22015122 COT

Library search and primary sources.