Sustainable Organic Synthesis

The course is suitable for students who are interested in sustainable chemistry, and want to learn more about how synthetic organic chemists can contribute to a more sustainable society through improved synthetic methods. The course is part of the Master's program in Sustainable Chemistry, but can also be taken as a freestanding course.

The course builds on Sustainable Organic Chemistry (KO7015) and provides a deeper understanding of organic reactivity and mechanisms, with a focus on the tools available to develop green and sustainable methods in organic synthesis. The theory course covers redox chemistry, carbonyl chemistry, enolates, cycloadditions, catalytic systems, modern activation techniques, sustainable solvents, green purification methods and practical NMR analysis.

The laboratory course focuses on comparisons between classical organic synthesis and more sustainable synthesis methods, including the use of modern activation methods, and a literature assignment.

After completing this course, students on the master's program in sustainable chemistry will be better prepared to do their independent project in organic chemistry. 
 

Learning objectives:
Theory
•    account for organic reactivity with a reaction mechanism approach,
•    explain sustainability problems and solutions in organic synthesis,
•    critically compare the sustainability of different synthetic strategies in organic synthesis,
•    interpret and evaluate NMR spectra for the identification of organic compounds

Lab course
•    understand safety regulations for chemicals and risk mitigation for reactions
•    demonstrate proficiency in practically performing and analyzing the results from syntheses in organic chemistry
•    demonstrate proficiency in using the modern activation techniques included in the course
•    analyze the possibilities of making a reaction description more sustainable
•    write scientific reports
 

Modules

Theory course, 4 hp
Laboratory course, 3,5 hp 
 

Teaching Format

Lectures, lab work and seminars.


Assessment

Written examination of the theory course, while the laboratory course is examined through mandatory participation, written laboratory reports and an oral presentation.

Examiner

Berit Olofsson

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.


Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








Course coordinator
Berit Olofsson, email: berit.olofsson@su.se

Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se