CHEM40760

This Module, as part of the taught MSc in Chemistry by negotiated learning, seeks to establish an overall understanding of organic chemical reactivity and the potential applications of such understanding. In that context, mechanistic and preparative organic chemistry from previous Modules will be reviewed, extended and applied. The mechanistic topics covered include, among others, orbital controlled reactions, linear free energy relationships and the mechanisms of biological reactions. There will be a particular focus on organonitrogen chemistry because many compounds containing nitrogen have important/useful properties. (e.g. a majority of pharmaceuticals incorporate nitrogen as do a multitude of natural products). The Module will look in detail at methods and reactions associated with both the installation and manipulation of the nitrogen-based unit within these compounds. From the preparative standpoint, modern synthesis technologies such as microwave and continuous flow chemistry will be highlighted and complemented by consideration of immobilised reagents, catalysts and scavengers to aid streamlining chemical reactions and purifications. These enabling techniques will be put into the wider context of green chemistry and sustainability considerations. Finally, numerous synthesis applications ranging from methodology development to industrially relevant target molecule syntheses will be presented.