Undergraduate - UnitCHM2911 - Synthetic chemistry I

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Synopsis

Basic principles and key aspects of molecular design, synthesis, structure and reactivity of carbon based molecules, organo-transition metal chemistry and metal complexes with examples taken from important biological, industrial and environmental processes. It will cover aspects of reactive intermediates; carbocations; molecular rearrangements; nucleophilic substitution; elimination reactions; free radicals; aromatic and heterocyclic chemistry; pericyclic reactions; carbonyl compounds; geometry, properties and bonding in transition metal complexes; metal coordination environments in metalloproteins; metal ions in metalloproteins; metal complexation in aquatic systems.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will have an appreciation of the tools used by chemists to design, prepare and study novel carbon based molecules and metal complexes and how these tools are then applied in order to develop an understanding of: the general principles of transition metal chemistry, including the structure, colour and properties of metal complexes, and how these principles are applied in industrial processes and in the rationalisation of the properties and functions of metalloproteins, and environmental processes involving metal ions; organometallic chemistry, catalysis, carbon based intermediates, carbocations, molecular rearrangements substitution and elimination reactions, the chemistry of aromatic compounds and pericyclic reactions, the reactions of carbonyl compounds and their importance in biosynthesis, drug synthesis. Students will also develop expertise in the handling and manipulation of chemicals, the use of commonly used synthetic procedures, the application of modern analytical and spectroscopic methods in the analysis of compounds and occupational health and safety in the laboratory. They will also further develop skills in the use of modern information technologies and data analysis and in the written and oral presentation of scientific data.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%
Mid-semester test (50 mins): 20%
Practical work: 30%
Students must achieve a pass mark in their laboratory work to achieve an overall pass grade.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Perran Cook

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures and the equivalent of 3 hours laboratory activity per week

Prerequisites

CHM1011 and CHM1022. Students without these should consult the second year coordinator.