Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LM Modern Methods for Molecular Synthesis
School	Chemistry
Department	Chemistry
Module Code	03 28080
Module Lead	Dr Paul Davies
Level	Masters Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Guided independent study-80 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	The first half of the module will introduce and explore the chemistry behind a variety of new methods for molecular synthesis based on transition metal catalysis. In addition to exploring the synthetic utility of these methods in complex molecules, the course will focus on mechanistic understanding of these approaches. The second half of this module looks at the strereoselective synthesis of chiral molecules. The construction of chiral molecules is explored and analysed through a number of case studies; a focus on the underlying reaction processes is designed to provide a mechanistic understanding and an appreciation for the elegance of asymmetric synthesis.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the synthetic advantages that the use of transition metal catalysed methods offers along with associated challenges; Demonstrate an understanding of the palladium based cross-coupling and cascade reactions and be able to apply these in designing molecular syntheses; Demonstrate an understanding of metathesis based processes for molecular construction and the different ways in which metathesis can be applied to achieve various outcomes; Demonstrate an understanding of redox and non-redox based pi-activation methods for molecular construction using a variety of metals; Draw catalytic cycles explaining the mechanisms for the reactions explored in the course and identifying pertinent kinetic issues associated with key steps. Students should also be able to explain the role of the ligand sphere in the catalytic processes; Recognise and apply disconnection patterns associated with the methods explored; Discuss multiple methods for obtaining the products of reactions that yield chiral molecules in enantioenriched form;; Describe and explain examples of the use of chiral auxiliaries; Describe and explain examples of the use of chiral catalysts; Describe and explain the concept of catalytic kinetic resolution; Understand the concepts behind stereoselective oxidation methods; Compare and contrast Lewis acid catalysis and organocatalysis; Design the synthesis of chiral molecules including key functional groups.
Assessment	28080-01 : Module Assessment : Exam (School Arranged) - Written Unseen (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Worksheets (20%) and exam (80%)
Other	None
Reading List