Experimental Organic Synthesis

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course will introduce the student to practical use of the library when synthetic work is to be planned and performed. Both manual use of the library and applications of electronic data bases will be demonstrated. Through various synthetic works, the student will be trained in purification procedures and various experimental methods. The use and limitations of the most common analytical methods like IR and UV/VIS will particularly be the subject of exercises. The security aspect will be a central theme in the laboratory course.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course KJEM232 the student will:

  • be able to analyze and draw flowcharts for multi-step processes and syntheses;
  • be familiar with a selection of important chemical reactions and multi-step syntheses and processes that are used in the synthesis of important organic compounds;
  • know how to write reaction schemes and mechanisms for a variety of organic transformations;
  • know how to plan and conduct experimental work in organic synthesis and be familiar with the apparatus and glass equipment commonly used;
  • know how to write synthesis tables, calculate yields and some green chemistry parameters, and keep concise laboratory records and use this to prepare proper reports about the experiments and present the results orally.

Semester of Instruction

Autumn (limited capacity). Master students have priority.
Required Previous Knowledge

Basic principles of general and organic chemistry.

KJEM110, KJEM130, KJEM131 or equivalent.

Recommended Previous Knowledge
KJEM 231 Advanced organic chemistry (it is recommended to study 231 and 232 contemporary) and KJEM235 Structural elucidation of organic molecules (or equivalent).
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
K231: 5stp, K242: 5 stp
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Laboratory course with laboratory journal and reports, use of instruments, oral presentations, some written exercises.

Compulsory attendance every Monday.

Compulsory HSE II-course for master students must be passed in order to be admitted to KJEM232. The HSE II-course is arranged in the beginning of the semester at Department of Chemistry.

Forms of Assessment

The forms of assessment are:

  • Laboratory work following criterias given in advance pose 45 % of the grade
  • Laboratory journals, reports, other written exercises and oral presentations pose 55% of the grade
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.