ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY (SH 103): Metal Complexes, Rare Earth Elements and Metal alloys

An Introduction to Chapter 4

Welcome to the fourth module of Engineering Chemistry (SH 103). This chapter delves into the specialized and crucial topics of Metal Complexes, Rare Earth Elements, and Metal Alloys.

Metal Complexes (or coordination compounds) are central to catalysis, biological processes, and materials science. We will explore their structure and bonding through foundational concepts like Werner’s theory, and then in more detail using Valence Bond Theory (VBT) and Crystal Field Theory (CFT) to understand their geometry and magnetic properties.

The second part of this chapter introduces Rare Earth Elements, a group of metals with unique electronic and magnetic properties that are critical for modern technology, including electronics, magnets, and lasers. Finally, we will examine Metallic Alloys, which are mixtures of metals designed to enhance properties like strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, making them essential for all engineering applications.