course-details-portlet

TKJ4155

Organic Synthesis II

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

A broad introduction to modern synthetic organic chemistry will be given: preparation and reactions with organometallic compounds (Mg, Li), reactions involving transition metals (organo-Cu, -Pd, -Ru), C-C bond formation reactions from organoboron and organotin compounds, oxidation reactions (alcohols, C=C bonds), reactions via electron deficient intermediates: cations, carbenes and metallocarbenes, nitrenes, radical chemistry with alkenes and alkynes, functionalisation of aromatic structures by electrophilic aromatic substitution, via aryl diazonium ions, nucleophilic aromatic substitution and palladium/cupper catalysed nuleophilic aromatic substitution. An introduction to retrosynthesis will be given.

Learning outcome

The course covers the theoretical basis for the chemical reactions that are important in the synthesis of organic compounds, particularly organometallic chemistry, including transition metals, C-C bond formation of organoboranes and -stannanes, carbene chemistry, aromatic substitutions and oxidations.

After the course the students are supposed to be able to: - plan syntheses of organic molecules by proper choice of starting materials, reagents and reaction conditions, - predict competing reactions and potential by-products, - know how functional groups affect the electron density, the properties and, in particular, the reactivity of organic compounds, - show reaction mechanisms for the reactions, - plan synthetic routes based on retrosynthetic synthesis strategy. The students will learn how to focus on sustainable use of organometallic compounds (such as Sn, Pd, Cr, Os), including the concept of using nontoxic co-oxidants and metal-free methods.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises.

Expected work load in the course is 200-225 hours.

Further on evaluation

If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Required previous knowledge

Basic course in organic chemistry: TKJ4102/TKJ4100 or KJ1020/KJ1021 or similar courses from other universities.

Intermediate course in organic chemistry: TKJ4150 Organic synthesis I, or similar courses from other universities.

Course materials

1) F. A. Carey and R. J. Sundberg: "Advanced Organic Chemistry. Part B, Reactions and Synthesis", 5. Ed., Springer, 2007.

2) Course compendiums

3) Exercises

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
TKJ4135 4 sp Autumn 2012
TKJ4111 3.5 sp Autumn 2013
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Chemistry

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.