KEMS526 Modern Synthetic Organic Chemistry (6 cr)

• synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis
• • evaluation of different strategies
• • strategy-based retrosynthetic analysis
  • consonant and dissonant relationships
• protecting and activation strategies
• oxidation and reduction in organic synthesis
• different C=C and C-C coupling methods
• organometallics in synthesis
• stereochemical strategies
• asymmetric synthesis and stereoselection
• • catalytic enantioselective reactions in synthesis
  • stereocontrol and face selectivity in reduction, oxidation, and carbonyl chemistry
  • hydrometallations and hydroborations
  • pericyclic reactions
• examples of strategies in synthesis

The goal of the course is to learn to plan realistic, economical syntheses for organic compounds and to evaluate different synthetic strategies. 

The purpose of the seminar is to provide the students an opportunity to draft proposals for synthetic routes in small groups and to learn to evaluate and criticize the synthesis plans in a seminar setting.

Working life skills:

After the course, the student is able to

• Manage the planning of work, tasks, and time use and adheres to agreed schedules.
  
• Combine and apply the lessons learned in the course in different contexts.
• independently search literature and compile a synthesis plan in an understandable and proficient oral and written presentation.
• answer the questions arising in exercises and problem sets clearly, using three-dimensional models when necessary
• understands the ethical and environmental issues related to the subject of the course and is able to consider their implications and solutions.

This course is intended for advanced undergraduate studies in organic chemistry. A solid background in organic reaction mechanisms and synthetic methods from previous advanced undergraduate level courses (e.g. KEMS541) is strongly recommended. The focus is on application of organic reactions in the context of synthesis planning.

• Wyatt & Warren: Organic Synthesis: Strategy and Control. Wiley 2007.
• Carreira & Kvaerno: Classics in Stereoselective Synthesis. Wiley 2008.