Chemistry of d – Block Elements, Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

By Dr. Niraj Upadhyay | Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar

Learners enrolled: 158

This four credit course is a part of UGC curriculum, as a discipline centric elective and has given space in fifth semester of B.Sc. program.

Entire course has been divided into two sections: First section describes general trends in properties of d-block and f-block elements. In the sequence, you will first time learn about origin of colour, magnetic and catalytic properties of d- and f- block elements. Ability to form complexes, stability, variable oxidation states etc. of d- and f- block elements will also be discussed. It also includes, bonding theory behind formation of coordination compounds, in which valence bond theory and crystal field theory for complex formation will be discussed. In addition isomerism and IUPAC system of nomenclature for coordination compounds will also be taught.

Section two covers quantum mechanical background behind molecular characterization. In this section quantum mechanical approach for molecular spectroscopy will be dealt. In this connection principle like, wave-particle duality, particle in 1-D box, normalization of wave functions, Born-Oppenheimer approximation etc. will be used for finding interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Next, introductory explanation of Rotational and Vibrational spectra and their role in molecular characterization will be dealt. This section also includes electronic spectroscopy and photochemistry.

Summary

Course Status :	Upcoming
Course Type :	Core
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	16 weeks
Category :	Chemistry
Credit Points :	4
Level :	Undergraduate
Start Date :	14 Jul 2025
End Date :	31 Oct 2025
Exam Date :
NCrF Level	5.5

Page Visits

Course layout

Week 1 : Introduction of Transition metals: Their identity and properties

Week 2 : Coordination Compounds: Isomerism and IUPAC system of nomenclature

Week 3 : Introduction of Valence Bond Theory and Crystal Field Theory

Week 4 : Handling of distortions in coordination compounds, and tetrahedral crystal field splitting

Week 5 : Application of Crystal Field Theory

Week 6 : F-block elements: Their properties and Applications

Week 7 : Basics of spectroscopy

Week 8 : Quantum mechanical aspects of molecular spectroscopy

Week 9 : Microwave Spectroscopy

Week 10 : Introduction of Infrared Spectroscopy

Week 11 : Application of Infrared spectroscopy,

Week 12 Introduction of electronic spectroscopy

Week 13 : Application of Electronic spectroscopy

Week 14 : Introductions of photochemistry

Week 15 : Application of photochemistry

Week 16 : End term Exam

Books and references

Chemistry of d-Block Elements

Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee

Excellent for understanding transition metals, coordination chemistry, and periodic trends.

Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee

A more condensed version, ideal for quick revision.

Inorganic Chemistry by Gary L. Miessler, Paul Fischer, and Donald A. Tarr

A modern and rigorous book with in-depth explanation of d-block elements and coordination chemistry.

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry by F.A. Cotton and G. Wilkinson

Quantum Chemistry

Quantum Chemistry by Ira N. Levine

One of the most comprehensive and widely used textbooks in this subject. Great for self-study.

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths

Physics-focused, but offers a clear foundation in quantum mechanics.

Quantum Chemistry by Donald A. McQuarrie

Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds by P.S. Kalsi

Very popular in India; good for undergraduate levels.

Introduction to Spectroscopy by Donald L. Pavia, Gary M. Lampman, George S. Kriz

Covers UV, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry in a simple, visual style.

Organic Spectroscopy by William Kemp

Molecular Spectroscopy by Banwell and McCash

Instructor bio

Dr. Niraj Upadhyay

Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar

Dr. Niraj is an Assistant Professor in Department of Chemistry, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh). He completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree from Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. Previously, he has worked as Assistant/Associate Professor and Coordinator of Department of Chemistry in School of Chemical Sciences at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, between years 2009-2013. With over 10 years of experience in Teaching and Research, he has built strategy of learning, which is easy to understand and apply. He has taught over 25 different courses and made a good name in the field. His major area of research is Environmental Inorganic Chemistry. Over 30 research articles by him have been published in journals of repute. He has produced four Ph.D. students. He was also involved as an author/co-author of 16 different modules in Paper 03 of Inorganic Chemistry for e-Pg Pathshala.

Course certificate

- Internal Assessment- Weekly assessments released in the course shall be considered for Internal Marks and will carry 30 percent for the Overall Result. Out of all weekly assignments, the best/top five scores will be considered for the final Internal Assessment marks. - End-term Assessment - The final exam shall be conducted by NTA, and will carry 70 percent for the overall Result. - All students who obtain 40% marks in the internal assessment and 40% marks in the end-term proctored exam separately will be eligible for the SWAYAM Credit Certificate.