Metals play a vital role in the metabolism of plants and animals and, increasingly, in medicine. This book provides an introduction to the metals essential to life and ligands of biological importance. It considers the uptake of metals, their transport and ultimately their storage, illustrated in particular with the story of iron in the body. It also considers Na, K and Ca ion channels and biomineralisation and covers the key roles that metals and their complexes play in living systems, for example in respiration and photosynthesis. The last chapter (delivered online) considers metal toxicity and deficiency as well as the role that metals play in medicine, looking at both diagnostics and therapy, and in the forefront of inorganic research.

This undergraduate teaching text and accompanying Periodic Table DVD, provides an introduction to the transition metals. The first two chapters introduce the reader to the chemistry of the first-row transition elements in different oxidation states, in particular +2 and +3 and their relative stability, largely using interactive activities and video on the DVD. This is followed by a study of coordination chemistry and the stability of complexes. Later chapters look at theories of metal-ligand bonding, in particular the way models can be used to rationalise many of the properties of transition metals and their compounds, such as colour, magnetism and stereochemistry. Starting with the simple, yet powerful crystal field approach, the book finishes with a largely pictorial treatment of molecular orbital theory. The text also includes interactive activities on the accompanying Periodic Table DVD, in-text questions with answers, full colour diagrams and revision exercises on an associated website www.rsc.org/metalsandlife

Chemical Modelling: Applications and Theory comprises critical literature reviews of molecular modelling, both theoretical and applied. Molecular modelling in this context refers to modelling the structure, properties and reactions of atoms, molecules & materials. Each chapter is compiled by experts in their fields and provides a selective review of recent literature. With chemical modelling covering such a wide range of subjects, this Specialist Periodical Report serves as the first port of call to any chemist, biochemist, materials scientist or molecular physicist needing to acquaint themselves of major developments in the area. Volume 5 covers literature published from June 2005 to May 2007.

To appreciate the chemistry and physical properties of complexes of the transition series, an understanding of metal-ligand interactions applied to complexes of the d-block is needed. Metal Ligand Bonding aims to provide this through an accessible, detailed, non-mathematical approach. Initial chapters detail the crystal-field model, using it to describe the use of magnetic measurements to distinguish complexes with different electronic configurations and geometries. Subsequent chapters look at the molecular orbital theory of transition metal complexes using a pictorial approach. Bonding in octahedral complexes is explored and electronic spectra and magnetic properties are given extensive coverage. The material addressed in this book forms the foundation of undergraduate lecture courses on d-block chemistry and facilitates learning through various key features, including: full colour diagrams; in-text questions with answers; revision exercises and clearly defined learning outcomes to encourage a reflective approach to study; an associated website; and experimental data and observations from everyday life. A basic knowledge of atomic and molecular orbitals as applied to main group elements is assumed.

Chemical Modelling: Applications and Theory comprises critical literature reviews of molecular modelling, both theoretical and applied. Molecular modelling in this context refers to modelling the structure, properties and reactions of atoms, molecules & materials. Each chapter is compiled by experts in their fields and provides a selective review of recent literature, incorporating sufficient historical perspective for the non-specialist to gain an understanding. With chemical modelling covering such a wide range of subjects, this Specialist Periodical Report serves as the first port of call to any chemist, biochemist, materials scientist or molecular physicist needing to acquaint themselves with major developments in the area.