Module description
This module builds upon the Organic Chemistry 1. It introduces basic chemical concepts within the context of Organic Chemistry, and starts to develop the more specialist knowledge of organic reactions required for later modules. The latter will be further developed in the Intermediate Organic Chemistry module.
The module will include:
- General introduction to spectroscopic analysis for elucidating structure of unknown compounds.
- General concepts and mechanisms underlying organic reactions
Throughout the course examples will be provided to link the underlying concepts and reactions with biological (eg metabolism) and pharmaceutical design (eg. drugs).
Assessment details
Written examinations and coursework.
Exam 70%
3 online quizzes (MQQ) 30%
Educational aims & objectives
This module builds upon the entry-level knowledge of students covered in 4CCC0010 and is the second stage of our Organic Chemistry Track which continues with Organic Chemistry 3 in year 2. It advances basic chemical concepts within the context of Organic Chemistry, with a focus on organic reactivity.
The module will cover:
- Carbonyl chemistry
- Basic enolate chemistry
- Flat chemistry (alkenes and aromatic)
- Introduction to radicals
- Synthesis – bringing reactions together: Alcohol synthesis and reactivity, Amine synthesis and reactivity, An Introduction to Protecting Groups
Examples from biological systems and biomedical applications will be used throughout the course to illustrate fundamental concepts and theories. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on the relevance and application of these topics to synthetic, biological and pharmaceutical situations.
The students will acquire a broad understanding of the knowledge base in Organic Chemistry and its terminology or discourse. They will operate in a range of varied but predictable contexts that require the use of a specified range of techniques and information sources. The student will be required to identify principles and concepts underlying theoretical frameworks. The student will take responsibility for the nature and quality of outputs through defined problem classes.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
- Understand the reactivity of carbonyls and be able to predict the outcome of common carbonyl reactions.
- Understand the reactivity of enolates and the concept of kinetic and thermodynamic control.
- Compare and contrast the reactivity of aromatic compounds and alkenes, as well as how electronic withdrawing and electron donating groups affect that reactivity, as well as their importance in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and biological systems.
- Understand where radicals fit into the organic reaction profile. Appreciate how they react and how this reactivity can be exploited.
- Understand how alcohols are made and how they can react either through native reactivity or through activation (eg. mesylation, tosylation etc).
- Understand the basic reasoning behind the use of protecting groups and know some basic examples.
- Understand the reactivity of amines and how they are synthesized, as well as their importance in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and biological systems.
- Understand the importance of chemical mechanism and become more confident in working out curly arrow mechanisms.
- Develop a deeper understanding of chemical reactivity and how various physical properties contribute to the reactivity of a molecule.
Workshops will be interspersed with lectures as necessary to apply concepts and theories covered in lectures to solve specific chemical problems and improve understanding.
Indicative Syllabus
- Reactions involving carbonyls and enolates
- Reactions involving alkenes and aromatic compounds
- Introduction to the organic chemistry of radicals
- General Organic Synthesis : A broad exposition of basic organic chemistry, including amine and alcohol reactivity, redox in organic chemistry and introduction to a range of new organic reactions.
Teaching pattern
31 hours lectures, 10 hours workshops