Organic Chemistry

Even though the name Organic Chemistry is old and slightly obsolete, it does reveal that this subject deals with life and life processes!

Structure and reactions in bio-chemistry are ordinary organic chemical reactions. The forces that give proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates and their structures are well-known in organic chemistry.

Synthesis and analysis
Organic chemists have two fields of activity: synthesis and analysis. This fact heavily influences the course Organic Chemistry, and it is important that our students master both these fields. Organic chemists work in new, safe, and practical laboratories and have state-of-the-art instruments at their disposal.

The Organic Chemistry group runs basic research within several fields, but the research has clear, applicable objectives. They work on the synthesis of special substances and the understanding of how reactions happen, i.e. reaction mechanisms. www.chem.ntnu.no/organisk Stereoselective synthesis of chiral substances with pharmaceutical interest and potential biological activity, is an important area of research at NTNU as well as internationally. The enantionerically pure compounds that are made are building blocks in the production of medicine. Reactions that are used could be catalyzed by enzymes or by synthetic metal-based catalysts.

Within heterocyclic chemistry, methods of synthesis for the production and application of nitropyridine derivatives are being developed. Research is also conducted within the synthesis, modification, and combination of unsaturated lipids, vitamins and antioxidants. Further more, we work on the synthesis and use of surface-active substances, supramolecular chemistry, and the development of new, organic materials.

A long line of projects are carried out in close cooperation with industrial enterprises which also finance parts of our research activities (E.g. Hydro, Statoil, and Borregaard).

Crucial contact with other researchers within the same field
Our students at the Master’s degree programme will have the opportunity to participate at both national and international conferences. The annual organic chemistry winter meeting in January is very popular. Some students conduct projects and master’s theses abroad, often in consultation with an academic supervisor from the Organic Chemistry group.

Today, NTNU is the university in Norway educating most organic chemists, and they are regarded as skilful synthetic chemists and well trained in analytical organic chemistry. Organic chemists from NTNU find work within companies, research, and administration in Norway and abroad.