MSc Chemistry

An advanced course in synthetic chemistry with a specific emphasis on i) the diversity of reactive species and ii) the significance of stereocontrol, as applied to the synthesis of a broad range of motifs.

The unit aims to develop further understanding of structure, reactivity and mechanistic chemistry as applied to the rational design and synthesis of small molecules.

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• Apply knowledge of molecular structure, reactivity and stereochemistry to both rationalise and predict the outcome of chemical reactions.

• Evaluate and propose strategies for the synthesis of small molecules using a broad range of methodology.

• Select and apply suitable industry-standard techniques for the synthesis and characterisation of organic compounds.
 

Stereoselective Synthesis

1.  Diastereoselectivity in Cyclic Systems
2.  Diastereoselectivity in Acyclic Systems
3.  Asymmetric Synthesis and Catalysis
4. Stereoselective Reactions in Synthesis

Reactive Intermediates

1.  Arynes
2.  Carbenes, Carbenoids and Nitrenes
3.  Radicals
4.  Radicals in Synthesis

Pericyclic Reactivity

1.  Cycloadditions
2.  Electrocyclic Reactions
3.  Sigmatropic Rearrangements
4.  Pericyclic Reactions in Synthesis
 

Problem solving and analysis; academic writing

CHEM60411 is delivered in a way which allows students to regularly receive feedback on their work and progress in synchronous sessions (lectures and workshops) and through individual and group discussions with graduate teaching assistants/staff in the laboratory.

• C.J.Moody and G.H.Whitham, Reactive Intermediates (An Oxford Chemistry Primer) ISBN: 978-0-198-55672-5
• A.F.Parsons, An Introduction to Free Radical Chemistry (Wiley-Blackwell, 2000) ISBN: 978-0-632-05292-9
• J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren and P. Wothers, Organic Chemistry (Oxford University Press, 2001) ISBN 0198503466  (Chapters 35 and 36). 
• J. Clayden, N. Greeves and S. Warren, Organic Chemistry 2nd edition (Oxford University Press, 2012) ISBN 0199270295  (Chapters 34 and 35). 
• I. Fleming, Pericyclic Reactions (Oxford Chemistry Primer, 2nd Edition) (Oxford University Press, 2015)  ISBN 0199680900 (affordable, thorough guidebook). 
• I. Fleming, Molecular Orbitals and Organic Chemical Reactions: Student Edition (Wiley-Blackwell, 2009)  ISBN 0470746599 (a comprehensive reference text).
• G. Procter, Stereoselectivity in Organic Synthesis (Oxford Chemistry Primers) (Oxford University Press, 1998) ISBN 978-0198559573.
• P. B. Cranwell, L. M. Harwood and C. J. Moody, Experimental Organic Chemistry (Wiley, 2017) ISBN 9781119952381.

• Access to a set of Orbit molecular models is essential.