Advanced Synthetic Methods

Module code: CH7002

In this module, you'll develop your knowledge of synthetic methods of obtaining products, examining more advanced techniques than you may have previously encountered.

You'll look at various synthetic strategies and methods for stereocontrol when synthesising target molecules. You'll also examine the role and use of typical reagents and transformations in modern organic synthesis. For these, you'll look at and evaluate potential synthetic routes to target molecules.

You'll explore the chemical reactivity of the carbonyl group – composed of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Plus, you'll learn about the reactivity and selectivity of organic reactions (focusing on chemo-, regio- and stereoselective reactions).

Topics covered

• Functional group reactivity of organic molecules.
• Regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity; how these relate to the design of synthetic routes.
• Chemo-, regio-, diastereo- and enantio-selective reactions in the synthesis of molecules.
• Disconnection of target molecules to simply building blocks using retrosynthetic analysis; forward syntheses of target molecules that are both efficient and selective.
• Possible synthetic routes to almost any molecule.
• Disconnections based on the carbonyl group as a foundation for synthetic planning.
• Common atom approach, functional group addition and the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds.