Module overview
Linked modules
External repeat only possible if lab module is already passed.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Recognise the properties of reagents and solvents and how these relate to their use in organic reactions
- Predict the outcomes of reactions based on the properties of the functional groups that are present.
- Recognise reactive centres in organic molecules and the types of reactions that they can undergo.
- Draw simple mechanisms to explain the outcomes of reactions.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Meet the learning outcomes of a co-requisite practical module.
Syllabus
Nucleophilic substitution reactions: Reactions of alkyl halides and sulfonates with nucleophiles; Revision SN1 and SN2 mechanisms including allylic and benzylic systems; Formation of alcohols by hydrolysis of alkyl halides; Reactions of alcohols with strong acids; Use of thionyl chloride and phosphorous pentabromide to form alkyl halides; Use of nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorous nucleophiles.
Organometallic reagents for C-C bond formation: Grignard reagents, organolithiums and organocoppers
Elimination reactions: Substitution vs elimination in alkyl halides; Dehydration of alcohols, Elimination mechanisms; Stereochemistry and regioselectivity in elimination reactions; Electrophilic additions to alkenes including hydrogen halides, bromination, epoxidation, hydroboration and dihydroxylation.
Introduction to carbonyl chemistry: Structure and bonding, polarisation, oxidation levels, leaving group ability and the influence of attached atoms on reactivity; Principle reactions with nucleophiles, electrophiles and bases and loci of reactivity; Addition of HCN, hydride, organometallic reagents; Nucleophilic substitution.
Addition/elimination at the carbonyl group in carboxylic acid derivatives: Addition-elimination reactions; Formation of esters from acids and alcohols; Preparation using acid chlorides; Hydrolysis of esters; Reactions with nucleophiles; Formation of amides from acid chlorides and esters; Hydrolysis; Nitriles.
Enolate chemistry: α-alkylation of aldehydes, ketones and acid derivatives.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, small group tutorials and laboratory sessions.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Practical | 30 |
| Wider reading or practice | 40 |
| Revision | 20 |
| Tutorial | 5 |
| Assessment tasks | 20 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Total study time | 149 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren (2012). Organic Chemistry.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Final exam, tutorials and laboratory marks. The latter are accumulated under the co-requisite lab module.
Summative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Laboratory practicals | 30% |
| Assessed Tutorials | 10% |
| Final Assessment | 60% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External