Advanced Methods in Organic Synthesis

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
CHIM/06
Language
English
Learning objectives
The objective of the course is to make students develop a fundamental base of knowledge of the most innovative organic reactions in the realm of organic synthesis.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student should be able to select suitable reactions for a particular organic synthesis, based on the identification of the most effective possibilities among the available ones.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
- Reactions involving transition metals. Preparation and structure of organocopper reagents, reactions involving organocopper reagents and intermediates. Reactions involving organopalladium intermediates: palladium-catalyzed nucleophilic substitution and alkylation, the Heck reaction, palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, carbonylation reactions. Reactions involving other transition metals (organonickel compounds, reactions involving rhodium and cobalt). [2.0 credit]
- The olefin metathesis reaction: RCM (Ring Closing Metathesis), ROM (Ring Opening Metathesis), CM (Cross Metathesis), RCAM (Ring Closing Alkyne Metathesis), Enyne RCM, Enyne CM. Catalysts and reaction mechanism. Synthetic applications. [1.5 credit]
- Carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions of compounds of boron, silicon and tin. Organoboron compounds: synthesis of organoboranes; carbonylation and other one-carbon homologation reactions; homologation via alpha-halo enolates; stereoselective alkene synthesis; nucleophilic addition of allylic groups from boron compounds. Organosilicon compounds: synthesis of organosilanes; general features of Carbon-Carbon bond-forming reactions of organosilicon compounds; addition reactions to aldehydes and ketones; reactions with iminium ions; acylation reactions; conjugate addition reactions. Organotin compounds: synthesis of organostannanes; Carbon-Carbon bond-forming reactions of organotin compounds. [2.0 credit]
- Total syntheses: examples using the above described methods. [0.5 credit]
Prerequisites for admission
Topics that are an indispensable prerequisite for successfully following the course: elements of classical organic synthesis (synthesis and interconversion of organic functional groups, carbon-nitrogen, carbon-oxygen and carbon-carbon bond formation). Additional contents: (i) Alkylation of enolates and other carbon nucleophiles, (ii) Reaction of carbon nucleophiles with carbonyl compounds, (iii) Electrophilic additions to carbon-carbon multiple bonds, (iv) Organometallic compounds of the group I, II, and III metals.
Such contents can typically be acquired in advanced organic chemistry courses such as Chimica Organica B (Laurea Magistrale in Scienze Chimiche) e Concepts & Methods in Organic Synthesis (Laurea Magistrale in Industrial Chemistry).
Teaching methods
Traditional teaching. Exercises in the course timetable.
Teaching Resources
F. A. Carey, R. J. Sundberg, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Part B: Reactions and Synthesis, V Edition, 2007 Springer Science.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written tests (2 tests "in itinere" and a written report on a literature paper) and final oral examination. Each written test is typically comprised of 10-15 open questions taken from the exercises of the recommended book (Carey & Sundberg, Part B). Usually, the allotted time for the written test is 3 hours. The mark is in thirtieths and corresponds to a detailed evaluation of the skills acquired by the student. The results of the written tests are communicated to the student via email and posted on the bulletin board anonymously (only badge number). The final oral exam (mark in thirtieths) is mainly focused on a discussion of the written tests.
CHIM/06 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts:
Turno
Professor: Pignataro Luca Luigi
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday from 10:30 to 12:30
Room 2042, second floor of the Chemistry building (Corpo B)