The topics covered includes general information about the transition elements. Their position in the periodic table; electronic structure, oxidation state; The physical and chemical properties of the elements and related most common compounds and alloys; methods of preparation and extraction of the elements; uses and applications of the elements and related most common compounds and alloys.
The practical section of the course will permit the students to synthesize selected oxides and hydroxides of the d block elements and to develop skills in specialized and advanced synthetic techniques such as working in inert atmospheres or using air sensitive chemicals. In addition, it will permit the students to use a variety of methods to characterize the products obtained in the experiments. Moreover, this laboratory practical experience with a strong focus on developing skills to fully characterize and rationalize the physical and chemical properties of molecules will help to understand how these aspects impact their reactivity. Additionally, the students will improve their skills in writing a well-structured report.