Module: Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Topics in Organic Chemistry
Module Code	CHM1037 (ITS: CS405)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The entire module aims to introduce the student to the physical and mechanistic detail of modern chemistry. Particular emphasis is placed on orbital interaction and three dimensional awareness. Stereoselective catalytic methods illustrate the concepts introduced.

Learning Outcomes

1. Complete understanding of how reactions are highly dependent on electronic and steric factors.
2. To conceive basic synthetic pathways for simple molecules, both achiral and chiral
3. To appreciate the benefits of catalytic asymmetric methods
4. Determine and describe the steps of a catalytic cycle and enantioinduction.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	20	No Description
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	81	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10266	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Hasim Ibrahim	Module Teacher	Kieran Nolan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Catalytic Asymmetric synthesis
Introduction: Background, methods, definitions of stereoselective terms, measures of stereoselectivity. Part A: Catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation, hydrosilylation, carbometallations, oxidation (epoxidation and dihydroxylation), Part B: Catalytic asymmetric C-C bond forming reactions (Aldol, Michael, Mannich, Henry, Friedel-Crafts, Allylic alkylation, Cross-coupling and Heck)

Pericylic reactions
Electrocyclic reactions, conservation of orbital symmetry, con rotation and dis rotation, orbital correlation diagrams, frontier orbited approach, aromatic transition state approach, cyclo addition reactions, suprafacial and antarafacial approach, regio selectivity, 1, 3-dipolar cyclo additions, sigmatropic rearrangements. Asymmetric cycloaddition reactions

Retrosynthetic Analysis
Definitions, 1-group C-X, 2 group C-X and non-obvious disconnection's, organosilicons, organoseleniums, organoborons, organolithiums and organocuprates. Oxidation and reduction.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Wiley: 0, Essential: N.S. Isaac (2nd ed) Physical Organic Chemistry, Wiley, P. Sykes. A Guide book to Mechanism in Organic Chemistry.S.W. Warren, Designing Organic Synthesis (Wiley), R.A. Aitken and S.N. Kilney,
Jonathan Clayden, Nick Greeves, Stuart Warren: 2012, Organic Chemistry, 2, Oxford University Press, 1234, 0199270295
Francis A. Carey, Richard J. Sundberg: 2007, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 5, Springer Science & Business Media, 1203, 0387448977
Francis A. Carey, Richard J. Sundberg: 2007, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 5, Springer Science & Business Media, 1322, 038768350X

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None