Aim
The aim of the course is to give advanced knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry and basic knowledge in physical organic chemistry.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to identify and name important organic reactions

• be able to explain the outcome of organic reactions

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to plan and evaluate multi-step reaction sequences with retrosynthetic analysis

• be able to discuss orally and in writing organic reactions with regard to mechanisms and selectivity

• be able to suggest alternative reagents and reactions for performing desired organic transformations

• be able to suggest methods to investigate mechanisms of reactions

Contents
The course primarily deals with organic reactions for the selective formation of carbon-carbon bonds. This includes enolate-chemistry, aromatic substitution, organometallic reactions, pericyclic reactions and radical chemistry. The course also includes oxidation and reduction reactions. The concepts of chemoselectivity, regioselectivity and stereoselectivity are emphasized. Retrosynthetic analysis of target molecules is brought up on a basic level. The mechanisms of important reactions are examined to understand the outcome of these reactions with regard to selectivity. The most important name reactions are taught. A comprehensive part of the course deals with tools to elucidate reaction mechanisms, f. ex. linear free energy relationships and primary kinetic isotope effect.

An important aspect of the course is to be able to draw clear drawings of organic structures and to be able to present organic reactions and mechanisms orally and in writing. The role of organic chemistry in drug development and synthesis and the synthesis of complex organic molecules will be emphasized.

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Literature
Clayden, J, Greeves, N, Warren, S, Wothers, P: Organic Chemistry. Oxford University Press 2001. ISBN 0-19-850346-6.