Organometallic chemistry

CM5211 Assignment (10% of assessment mark)
Who should the next Nobel Prize in organometallics go to?
Organometallic chemistry has had a rich history of recognition in the Nobel Prize for chemistry since
Wilkinson and Fischer were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1973. Considering all the
advancements made in Organometallic chemistry over the last 20 years, this tradition is sure to
continue. You assignment is to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to an area of Organometallic
chemistry and at most three researchers who have contributed to it. The award should be
significantly different from those given previously. You must justify who you award the Nobel Prize
to, and what area you feel deserves the award. You should use appropriate literature or patented
invention to indicate their seminal or ‘break-through’ work.
The assignment may be completed in essay format (maximum 2 pages), although other presentation
formats will be considered if you consult me first. The due date of the assignment is the end of week
13 (Friday 13th November).
Marks will be given for logical arguments in awarding the prize (consider research impact in Society
and the wider scientific field), and appropriate choice of publication to demonstrate their important
contributions. Please use scientific and popular media to support your assertions. Remember, the
Nobel Prize is given for a contribution, not for a successful career. Your Nobel Prize should be
awarded to an area of organometallic chemistry that has not been recognised for this prize before,
or the justification of why that area deserves another prize needs to be outlined clearly