Coordination Chemistry Course | Transition Elements | IIT Kharagpur Prof. Debashis Ray
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 366 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemistry |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Secrets of Transition Metals: A Comprehensive Guide to Coordination Chemistry
Welcome to an in-depth exploration of one of the most fascinating and applied branches of chemistry. This 12-week undergraduate course, led by the esteemed Prof. Debashis Ray of IIT Kharagpur, offers a structured journey through the Nobel prize-winning science of Coordination Chemistry. Designed for students and professionals alike, this course bridges fundamental theory with critical industrial and biological applications.
Your Expert Instructor: Prof. Debashis Ray
Learning from an expert is paramount. Prof. Debashis Ray brings exceptional credentials and experience to this course:
- Academic Excellence: M.Sc. (Gold Medalist) from Burdwan University (1985).
- Research Prowess: Ph.D. from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Jadavpur University (1989).
- Teaching Legacy: Faculty member at IIT Kharagpur since 1990.
- Specializations: Inorganic Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry.
- Prestigious Awards: Recipient of the INSA Young Scientist Medal (1994) and the CRSI Bronze Medal (2007).
Course Overview & Objectives
This course provides an excellent opportunity to master the century-old, yet ever-evolving, knowledge of coordination chemistry. You will move beyond rote learning to develop a deep, conceptual understanding.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Distinguish between coordinated ligands and charge-balancing ions in a coordination compound.
- Understand complexation reactions, stability constants, and coordination equilibria.
- Master structures, geometrical and optical isomerism.
- Delve into advanced bonding theories (CFT, LFT) and electronic properties.
- Decode color, magnetic properties, and electronic spectra using tools like Orgel and Tanabe-Sugano diagrams.
- Explore applications in analytical chemistry, industry, medicine, and homogeneous catalysis.
Who Should Enroll?
Intended Audience: This course is perfectly suited for undergraduate students pursuing B.Tech., B.E., B.Engg., or M.Sc. degrees in Chemical Sciences, Engineering, or related fields.
Pre-requisites: A solid foundation in Higher Secondary (+2 level) Chemistry is required to fully grasp the advanced concepts.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction - Definitions and Classification of Ligands | Ligand types, denticity, chelation. |
| Week 2 | Nomenclature | IUPAC naming of coordination compounds. |
| Week 3 | Coordination Number and Stereochemistry | Common geometries (octahedral, tetrahedral, square planar). |
| Week 4 | Structures, Symmetries, Isomerism and Coordination Equilibria | Structural isomers, stereoisomers, stability constants. |
| Week 5 | Bonding in Complexes | Crystal Field Theory (CFT), crystal field splitting. |
| Week 6 | Jahn-Teller Effect and Spin Crossover | Distortions in geometry, high-spin vs. low-spin complexes. |
| Week 7 | Colors and Optical Spectra | Origin of color, d-d transitions, spectroscopy. |
| Week 8 | Orgel and Tanabe-Sugano Diagrams | Interpreting electronic spectra for different metal ions. |
| Week 9 | Applications of CFT and Spinels | Inverse vs. normal spinels, material properties. |
| Week 10 | Magnetochemistry | Magnetic moments, spin-only formula, applications. |
| Week 11 | Ligand Field Theory – Sigma and Pi Orbitals | Molecular orbital approach, pi-bonding ligands. |
| Week 12 | Reactions, Reactivity and Biological Inorganic Chemistry | Substitution reactions, electron transfer, role of metals in biology. |
Industrial Relevance & Career Prospects
The principles taught in this course form the backbone of numerous industrial processes. Knowledge of coordination chemistry is highly valued by industries including:
- Chemical & Pharma: Hindustan Lever Ltd, Ranbaxy (for catalysis and drug design).
- Energy & Petroleum: Shell, ONGC (for extraction and refining catalysts).
- Power & Metals: NTPC, SAIL, CIL (for material science and corrosion control).
- Analytical & Environmental: Waters, Environment Protection Agencies, PHE Dept. (for analysis and pollution remediation).
Recommended Textbooks
To supplement your learning, Prof. Ray recommends these authoritative texts:
- Inorganic Chemistry by Gary Wulfsberg
- Inorganic Chemistry by William W. Porterfield
- Inorganic Chemistry by Atkins, Shriver and Langford
Embark on this 12-week intellectual adventure to master the chemistry that colors our world, powers our industries, and sustains life itself. Enroll today and build a strong foundation in the captivating domain of Coordination Chemistry.
Enroll Now →