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CHM416Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Organic Synthesis

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and applications of organic synthesis. It covers oxidation and reduction reactions, transformation of alkenes, alcohols, and arenes, and catalytic hydrogenation. Students will learn about various reagents, reaction mechanisms, and named reactions such as Aldol, Wittig, and Diels-Alder. The course emphasizes practical applications and synthetic strategies in organic chemistry.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Organic SynthesisOxidationReductionAlkene TransformationNamed Reactions

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Oxidation Reactions

2

Reduction Reactions

3

Alkene Transformations

4

Alcohol Transformations

5

Arene Transformations

6

Catalytic Hydrogenation

7

Aldol Condensation

8

Wittig Reaction

9

Diels-Alder Reaction

10

Acetylenes and Alkynes

Total Topics10 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

CHM312: Organic Chemistry I

CHM316: Physical Chemistry I

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Organic Chemist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Pharmaceutical Chemist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Chemical Synthesis

Apply your skills in this growing field

Materials Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PharmaceuticalsPetrochemicalsAgrochemicalsMaterials SciencePolymer Chemistry

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Oxidation Reactions

4h

Unit 1: Oxidation reactions

4 study hours
  • •Define oxidation reaction.
  • •Identify oxidizing reagents.
  • •Study the successive dehydrogenation of ethane.
  • •Understand oxidative transformation of methane.
Week
2

Module 1: Oxidation Reactions

4h

Unit 2: Transformation of Alkenes to epoxides, diols and carbonyl compounds

4 study hours
  • •Discuss conversion of alkenes to epoxides using peroxyacids.
  • •Understand the mechanism of epoxidation.
  • •Study the conversion of alkenes to syn-1,2-diols using KMnO4 and OsO4.
  • •Learn about the stereospecific process of syn hydroxylation.
Week
3

Module 1: Oxidation Reactions

4h

Unit 3: Transformation of alcohols to carbonyls

4 study hours
  • •Describe the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes and carboxylic acids.
  • •Learn about the use of pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC).
  • •Study the oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones.
  • •Understand why tertiary alcohols are not easily oxidized.
Week
4

Module 1: Oxidation Reactions

4h

Unit 4: Transformation of arenes (Benzene and other Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

4 study hours
  • •Discuss the oxidation of alkylbenzenes using sodium dichromate and nitric acid.
  • •Understand the reaction mechanisms involving chromate and permanganate esters.
  • •Study the industrial importance of oxidizing side-chain methyl groups to aromatic carboxylic acids.
Week
5

Module 2: Reduction Reactions

4h

Unit 1: Catalytic hydrogenation

4 study hours
  • •Define reduction reaction.
  • •Recognize reduction in organic reactions.
  • •Explain types of reduction reactions: catalytic hydrogenation, hydride-transfer reagents, and dissolving metals.
  • •Understand the advantages of each method.
Week
6

Module 2: Reduction Reactions

4h

Unit 2: Reduction of functional groups

4 study hours
  • •Describe conversion of functional groups by reduction.
  • •Give appropriate reagents for specific functional group transformation.
  • •Mention some named reduction reactions: Clemmensen and Wolff-Kishner.
  • •Explain the mechanism of these named reactions.
Week
7

Module 2: Reduction Reactions

4h

Unit 3: Acetylenes

4 study hours
  • •Describe the nature of the bond in acetylenes.
  • •Discuss the acidity of alkynes.
  • •Explain how acetylenes can be prepared.
  • •Give details of various methods of synthesis of alkynes.
Week
8

Module 3: Some named reactions

4h

Unit 1: Aldol and Aldol-type Reactions

4 study hours
  • •Explain the mechanism of the Aldol condensation.
  • •Discuss some Aldol-type reactions: Reformatsky and Perkin reactions.
  • •State the applications and limitations of each of these reactions.
  • •Give the synthetic applications of this type of reaction.
Week
9

Module 3: Some named reactions

4h

Unit 2: Wittig Synthesis of C=C bond

4 study hours
  • •Explain methods of preparation of phosphorus ylides.
  • •Discuss the mechanism and stereochemistry of Wittig reaction.
  • •Describe the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) reaction.
  • •Give some synthetic applications of the Wittig reaction.
  • •List some advantages of the Wittig reaction.
Week
10

Module 3: Some named reactions

4h

Unit 3: Diels-Alder Reaction

4 study hours
  • •Describe the Diels-Alder reaction.
  • •Show the mechanism involved in the reaction.
  • •Give examples of dienes and dienophiles.
  • •Present some applications of the reaction in synthesis.
Week
11

Module 1: Oxidation Reactions

4h

Review of Module 1: Oxidation Reactions

4 study hours
  • •Review all the oxidation reactions and oxidizing reagents.
  • •Practice problems on oxidation of alcohols and alkenes.
  • •Solve Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) related to Module 1.
Week
12

Module 2: Reduction Reactions

4h

Review of Module 2: Reduction Reactions

4 study hours
  • •Review all the reduction reactions and reducing reagents.
  • •Practice problems on reduction of functional groups.
  • •Solve Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) related to Module 2.
Week
13

Module 3: Some named reactions

4h

Review of Module 3: Some named reactions

4 study hours
  • •Review all the named reactions: Aldol, Wittig, and Diels-Alder.
  • •Practice problems on reaction mechanisms and synthetic applications.
  • •Solve Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) related to Module 3.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed reaction maps linking oxidation and reduction reagents to specific functional group transformations.

2

Practice drawing mechanisms for Aldol, Wittig, and Diels-Alder reactions, focusing on stereochemical outcomes.

3

Review the acidity of alkynes and their role in synthesis, including alkylation reactions.

4

Solve all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and review feedback thoroughly.

5

Focus on understanding the applications and limitations of each named reaction.

6

Use flashcards to memorize key reagents and their specific functions in organic synthesis.

7

Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final examination.

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