2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM3126 Strategy, Methods and Reaction Technology for Organic Synthesis

10 Credits Class Size: 180

Module manager: Prof Adam Nelson
Email: a.s.nelson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisites

CHEM2121 Organic Chemistry: Conformation, Configuration & Reactivity

Module replaces

CHEM3180 Organic synthesis

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module will enable students to understand the value of functional organic molecules, and how the selective synthesis of such molecules may be achieved. Students will work in groups to research and understand the value of specific functional organic molecules, and to communicate their finding effectively to their peers. The module will cover strategies, methods and chemical technologies that can be deployed to address specific challenges associated with the synthesis of functional organic molecules.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should:
- be able to work effectively in teams to research, understand and communicate the value of functional organic molecules in addressing major societal problems
- be able to understand and apply more advanced concepts in selective organic synthesis, especially in relation to important functional molecules
- be familiar with the use of protecting groups to enable efficient and selective syntheses
- be familiar with synthetic methods that are widely used to prepare functional organic molecules, including methods for: selective oxidation/reduction, peptide/oligonucleotide synthesis, heterocycle synthesis, (het)arene functionalisation, and transition metal-catalysed cross coupling
- be familiar with chemical technologies that can address specific synthetic challenges including solid phase chemistry, parallel chemistry and flow chemistry

Learning outcomes

1. Capability to work in teams to research, understand and communicate the value of functional organic molecules
2. Ability to analyse and understand how selectivity is achieved in organic synthesis
3. Knowledge of a range of widely-used strategies and methods for the selective synthesis of important classes of functional organic molecules
4. Ability to understand how chemical technologies can be harnessed to address specific synthetic challenges

Syllabus

- Introduction to project management techniques for group projects
- Group work focused on researching, understanding and communicating the value of functional organic molecules
- Methods for the selective introduction and removal of protecting groups
- Synthetic methods including methods for selective oxidation/reduction, heterocycle synthesis, (het)arene functionalisation, and transition metal-catalysed cross-coupling reactions
- Introduction to chemical technologies that can address specific synthetic challenges including: solid phase peptide/oligonucleotide synthesis, flow chemistry and parallel chemistry

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
On-line Learning 11 1 11
Workshop 6 1 6
Lecture 11 1 11
Independent online learning hours 25
Private study hours 47
Total Contact hours 28
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

2 x sessions to enable group work;
7 x workshops throughout the module;
Quizzes in Minerva;
Feedback on formative assessments;
Model answers to mock OTLA.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Presentation Group work multi media presentation 20
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 20

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Open Book exam 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins 80
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 80

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 4/29/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team