Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Interpret data from a range of physical techniques to characterise chemical compounds
- Carry out laboratory scale chemical reactions using batch and flow methods.
- Evaluate the risks associated with an experiment and understand how to mitigate against those risks
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The mechanisms of chemical reactions used to make organic molecules
- How the choice of reactions and conditions impact the cost and sustainability of synthetic processes for the production of organic molecules.
- The properties of transition metal complexes and their use for catalysis of chemical reactions.
- How the structures of molecules influence the success or failure of reactions.
Syllabus
Lecture content:
Use of curly arrows to represent reaction mechanisms;
Oxidation states in both inorganic and organic contexts: Nucleophiles, electrophiles, Lewis acids, Lewis bases;
Nucleophilic addition / displacement cf ligand complexation / ligand exchange;
Structural factors affecting the stability of carbanions and carbenium ions;
Organic Mechanisms including: Nucleophilic addition to carbonyl groups including addition/elimination; Nucleophilic substitution at saturated carbon - SN1 and SN2 reaction mechanisms and examples of use in synthesis;; Eliminations -E1 and E2 mechanisms. Stereochemistry and regioselectivity; Electrophilic addition to alkenes; Electrophilic aromatic substitution including activating / deactivating groups and directing effect; Enolate alkylation and condensation with carbonyl compounds; Radicals and radical polymerisation
Transition Metal Chemistry including: Properties of the d-block elements, ligands, dn configurations, oxidation states and trends; Coordination geometries, isomerism in coordination complexes; Ligand classifications and bonding interactions; Complex stability and the chelate effect; Basic transition metal reactivity – ligand exchange, transmetallation, oxidative addition, reductive elimination, beta-hydride elimination, insertion; Transition metal catalysis - Homogenous (e.g. Pd catalysed cross coupling and Heck reactions) and heterogenous (e.g. hydrogenation).
Consideration of how the choice of reactions and conditions impact the cost and sustainability of synthetic processes for the production of organic molecules, particularly the importance of catalysis.
Practical exercises to illustrate organic and transition metal catalysed chemical reactions, their conduct, and the analysis of the outcomes.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, problem-solving Seminars with group working and tutor support
Practical chemistry: Prelaboratory e-learning; pre-lab skills lectures/ Seminars; practical sessions, supporting demonstrations, group and one-to-one tuition.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 24 |
Revision | 12 |
Guided independent study | 50 |
Workshops | 10 |
Practical | 20 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 44 |
Total study time | 160 |
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Practical exerciseSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Laboratory Report | 25% |
Exam | 65% |
Attendance at workshops and submission of set work | 10% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External