Inorganic Chemistry

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have a good honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry or in a related subject.

Months of entry

January, April, July, October

Course content

Research groups within the Inorganic Chemistry section formulate, and subsequently develop the applications of, coordination complexes containing main group and transition metals. The metals and types of ligand are numerous, and hence the applications are diverse. Research in Inorganic Chemistry therefore often lies at the interface with other scientific disciplines, including other chemistry sub-disciplines, physics, materials chemistry, and medical research.

The design of new ligands is central to the research carried out in all areas of Inorganic Chemistry. Ligands currently being developed include novel phosphines, particularly the important phosphine macrocycles and combined phosphine-carbene macrocycles, unique N-heterocyclic carbenes and related species, and the development of chiral ligands for use in asymmetric catalysis. This research is predominantly synthetic in nature involving multi-step organic and inorganic syntheses.

Groups are investigating new systems based upon novel ligands and/or functionalised coordination complexes for the development of chemosensors. Measurable responses are dictated by the nature of the probe and can therefore be monitored via modulated optical, luminescent, electrochemical or longitudinal proton relaxivity behaviour, depending on the targeted application.

Fundamental studies model and develop catalysts and catalytic reactions. The research involves experimental aspects, in which model catalyst systems are synthesised and studied spectroscopically; this work is often supported by computational studies in a synergistic combination of theory and experiment. The research involves close collaboration with colleagues in other research groups within the department.