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.

Recommended 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.

Spectroscopic methods in organic chemistry: KJ2022 or similar courses from other universities.

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