Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Complexes with Schiff Base Ligands

Abstract

In order for undergraduate laboratory experiments to reflect modern research practice, it is essential that they include a range of elements, and that synthetic tasks are accompanied by characterization and analysis. This intermediate general chemistry laboratory exercise runs over 2 weeks, and involves the preparation of a Schiff base ligand and its metal (Fe3+ or Cu2+) complex. Students are then able to determine the metal–ligand stoichiometry of one metal–ligand pair. This experiment demonstrates that varying the transition metal can give rise to different structures, and hence different properties.