CHEM2087: STRUCTURE AND REACTIVITY IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

• Core Chemistry 1 (CHEM1078).

• Core Chemistry 2 (CHEM2012) AND Practical Chemistry 2 - Synthetic (CHEM2147) or Practical Chemistry 2 Integrated (CHEM2138).

• None.

• To enhance understanding of the relationship between structure and reactivity (mechanisms) in organic compounds.

• Determination of reaction mechanisms.
• Ring chemistry and stereochemistry.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Draw accurately 5 and 6 ring systems and cis and trans-decalins, showing the correct positioning of axial and equatorial groups.
• Devise reasonable syntheses of 3 to 9 membered rings, paying attention to strain and stereochemistry of the target molecule including examples of template syntheses.
• Devise reasonable mechanisms that account for the reactivity patterns of conformational isomers.
• Understand why some cyclisation reactions occur favourably, whereas others are inhibited, due to a preferred stereoelectronic pathway.
• Use linear free energy relationships to quantify substituent effects and interpret reaction mechanism by analysis of Hammett parameters.
• Understand the basis of Hammonds postulate, kinetic and thermodynamic control and the Curtin-Hammett principle.
• Use kinetic data to interpret reaction mechanism by analysis of the sign or magnitude of the enthalpic and entropic components of the free energy of activation.
• Distinguish primary, secondary and solvent kinetic isotope effects and interpret reaction mechanism based on the observed magnitude of these values.
• Distinguish between general and specific acid or base catalysis and use the Bronsted linear free energy relationship.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Perform more complex analysis of structure and reactivity in Organic Chemistry.

Key Skills:

• Written communication, advanced through the use of discussion type questions in lecture-support worksheets.
• Problem-solving, developed through problems set in lecture-support worksheets and workshop question sheets.

• Lectures are used to convey concepts, demonstrate what is required to be learned and to illustrate the application of theory to practical examples. When appropriate, lectures will be supported by written on-line material, or by information and relevant links on Blackboard Learn Ultra.
• Private study should be used by students to develop their subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation, through reading textbooks and literature. Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Workshops are where groups of students consider problems and explore common shared difficulties. Problem exercises provide students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills. This ensures that students have understood the work and can apply it to real life situations. These are formatively assessed.
• Student performance will be assessed through examinations. Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure under timed conditions, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning and develop key time management skills. The examination will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills.

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