KEMS5450 Reaction mechanisms and catalysis (4 cr)

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Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Chemistry
Curriculum periods:
2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020

Description

Content

Determination of reaction mechanisms: isolation of intermediates, crossover-experiments; kinetic methods, especially primary, secondary and reverse kinetic isotope effects, substituent effects, linear free energy (Hammett) relationships, solvation effects. Homogenous catalysis: specific and general acid-base catalysis, Marcus theory, solvent effects, hydrogen bond catalysis, catalysis in water, enzymes and small molecules as catalysts, asymmetric catalysis, transition metal catalysis.

Completion methods

The course includes problem seminar sessions based on the method of problem-based learning (PBL) and an essay on the topic of the course. There is no final exam.

Assessment details

Written solutions to the problems covered during the problem sessions, as well the final essay, will be graded and the grade will be based on the total score acquired.

Alternatively (during the years when the course is not lectured), an exam consisting of problem sets and and essay can be provided.

The grading is based on the students' demonstration of independent mechanistic thinking in solving the problems associated with the problem seminars as well as the final essay.

A passing grade (1/5) requires 50% of the overall score. Higher grades require higher scores; a linear grading will be used, with a grade 5/5 requiring 85% of the overall score.

Learning outcomes

The course will deepen the understanding of concepts of physical chemistry that forms the basis of reactivity in synthetic chemistry. Special emphasis is placed on modern methods used for the determination of reaction mechanisms. The goal of the problem sessions, tutored by senior researchers, is to provide the students opportunities to practice problem solving in group sessions.

Additional information

This is an autumn course during the 1st period.

Description of prerequisites

KEMS541 or good command of B.Sc. level chemistry and organic chemistry or organometallic chemistry is required.

Study materials

Lecture notes (pdf), in addition: Anslyn & Dougherty: Modern Physical Organic Chemistry (University Science Books,

Literature

  • Anslyn & Dougherty: Modern Physical Organic Chemistry (University Science Books 2006); ISBN: 978-1-891389-31-3

Completion methods

Method 1

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Parts of the completion methods
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Teaching (4 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish

Teaching