This module is at an intermediate level and builds on first year and semester 1 modules. The concept of stereochemistry is broadened and a more thorough examination of the properties and chemistry of benzene, benzene derivatives and carbonyl compounds is provided. The two mechanistic pathways of nucleophilic substitution reactions will be studied in detail. These concepts will be related and applied to the synthesis, reactivity, biological activity and metabolism of drugs.
The practical element of the module continues to introduce new techniques required for the synthesis and characterisation of organic compounds, building on skills acquired during the semester 1 module, while supporting and reinforcing the concepts discussed in the lectures.
Stereochemistry
Conformational analysis of cyclohexane, E/Z isomers, enantiomers (R/S), perspective formulae and Fischer projections, isomers with more than one chirality centre, resolution of enantiomers, biological activity of enantiomers.
Aromatic chemistry:
aromatic stabilisation and resonance, Hückel's Rule applied to benzenoid and heterocyclic aromatic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The chemistry of benzene and its derivatives.
Substitution reactions:
Uni- and Bimolecular nucleophilic substitution. Introduction to elimination reactions.
Carbonyl chemistry:
1,2-Additions to aldehydes and ketones e.g. cyanohydrin, hydrate, hemiacetal and acetal formation, addition of Grignard and alkyl lithium reagents.
Students will learn through lectures (20 hours), problem solving (4 hours), laboratory practicals and workshops (15 hours) and self directed learning (61 hours).
Self directed learning is encouraged and supported using online resources hosted in Brightspace to encourage pre-laboratory and pre-lecture preparation
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 55 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 45 |