Chemistry

Strategy in Organic Synthesis

Module code: F1088
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Laboratory, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Unseen examination

This module focuses on strategy in organic synthesis and the disconnection approach.

You are required to take a different approach to your entire knowledge of synthetic chemistry accumulated hitherto. You learn novel reactions, understand the relevance of solvents and reagents, but also to modify your way of thinking about transformations so as to predict shortfalls and be able to come up with more efficient tactics.

The aim of this module is to describe the unifying principles which underline the diverse structures of natural product synthesis and the design of a total synthesis through a disconnective strategy. This includes introductioning you to the concept of retrosynthetic analysis, the synthesis of complex cycles and heterocycles, alkenes and alkynes, the formation of carbon-carbon bonds and carbon-heteroatom bonds, pericyclic reactions, radicalar reactions, aromatic chemistry.

Module learning outcomes

• Understand the underlying concepts behind a retrosynthetic analysis
• Suggest a retrosynthetic analysis and a forward synthesis of a given molecule
• Be able to choose appropriate reagents, reactants and solvents to perform transformations and the most appropriate strategy to elaborate key molecular scaffolds
• Be able to safely perform chemical transformations in a laboratory environment and characterize the compounds synthesized