The module is advanced and provides details on a number of reactions that are used in modern organic synthesis with emphasis on their applications for drug discovery and natural product synthesis.
The aim of this module is to further expand knowledge of organic reactions and organic reaction mechanisms. It will include homogeneous transition metal catalysed reactions, green chemistry, asymmetric synthesis, pericyclic reactions, Woodward-Hoffmann Rules and Frontier Molecular Orbital theory.
Examples of these reactions in natural product synthesis and drug discovery will be provided along with consideration of stereochemistry and retrosynthetic analysis where appropriate.
A selection of the following will be discussed in detail: The Heck reaction, Palladium catalysed cross-coupling reactions (Stille, Suzuki and Sonagashira), Activation of allylic electrophiles by palladium (0), Copper(I) catalysed Huisgens reaction, Olefin metathesis, Sharpless dihydroxylation and epoxidation, Jacobsen kinetic epoxidation, asymmetric reduction.
A selection of pericyclic reactions will be studied in terms of their mechanism. Woodward-Hoffmann rules and Frontier Molecular Orbital theory will also be outlined for selected transformations.
Laboratory Programme:
Two advanced practical classes which complement the lecture material. The laboratory programme involves development of advanced practical skills and problem solving workshops.
Students will learn through lectures (20 hours), problem solving (4 hours), laboratory practicals and workshops (8 hours) and self directed learning (68 hours).
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 75 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 25 |