Organic Chemistry - Reactivity and Structure
Organic synthesis is central in pharmaceutical, material, biological and environmental sciences. This course covers structure determination by routine NMR methods, the reactivity that can be predicted from this knowledge, and its implications in Green Chemistry.
The course focus on the process of designing and developing efficient routes towards simple compounds with minimal environmental impact, and the NMR techniques that are being used in real synthetic laboratories for this purpose.
The course is a good foundation for further specialization in both analytic and synthetic organic chemistry, combining experimental synthesis of small pharmaceuticals and fragrances with the direct handling of NMR spectrometers and real-world software to examine and report the data.
The theory involves two elements:
Organic reaction theory with focus on mechanisms and stereochemistry, and a practical approach to structure determination using NMR spectroscopy. Both parts expand on previous undergraduate courses.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from your department
On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
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For new international students
The course focus on the process of designing and developing efficient routes towards simple compounds with minimal environmental impact, and the NMR techniques that are being used in real synthetic laboratories for this purpose.
The course is a good foundation for further specialization in both analytic and synthetic organic chemistry, combining experimental synthesis of small pharmaceuticals and fragrances with the direct handling of NMR spectrometers and real-world software to examine and report the data.
The theory involves two elements:
Organic reaction theory with focus on mechanisms and stereochemistry, and a practical approach to structure determination using NMR spectroscopy. Both parts expand on previous undergraduate courses.
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Course structure
During this course you will learn the following
Develop of short organic synthesis of simple building blocks including fragrances and medicines using basic laboratory operations. Routine quality control analysis using NMR spectrometry.
Acquire, process and interpret basic 1D and 2D NMR data, and introduction to the software required for processing and reporting the results.
Fluent use of nomenclature and stereochemistry, and basic understanding of chemical bonding in organic compounds.
Explain and predict substitution, elimination, addition, rearrangement and cycloaddition reactions of aliphatics, carbonyls and unsaturated molecules in terms of thermodynamic and kinetic principles.
Modules
Theory, 7.5 ETCS
- Reactivity 4 ECTS
- Spectroscopy 4.5 ECTS
Lab, 7.5 ECTS
Teaching format
Lectures and seminars on the theory and interpretation of reactivity and structural elucidation of organic compounds.
Laboratory experimentation with simple syntheses of small organic molecules, including fragrances and medicines.
Quality control of the compounds synthesized through acquisition and processing of NMR spectra.
Seminars.
What to expect, full time studies in organic chemistry
Full time studies in organic chemistry include:
On campus
- lectures
- seminars and laboratory experiments
Off campus
- self-study
- exercises
- laboratory report preparation.
It is important to learn how to manage your time during courses like this. The expected work load may vary between weeks. You may also have free time in the middle of the day, but occasionally need to stay late in the lab to finish onging experiments.
Assessment
Two independent written exams for the reaction and spectroscopy parts
Laboratory reports
Examiner
Göran Widmalm
goran.widmalm@su.se -
Schedule
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.Schedule will be published four weeks before the course starts
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Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Clayden, Greeves & Warren: Organic Chemistry; 2nd Edition,
(ISBN 978-0-19-927029-3) or Clayden, Greeves, Warren & Wothers: Organic Chemistry, Oxford University Press 2001 (ISBN 978-0-19-850346-0)L.D. Field, S. Sternhell, J.R. Kalman: Organic Structures from Spectra, John Wiley & Sons, 4th edition (ISBN 978-0-470-31927-7)
Handouts from lecturers and assistants
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Course reports
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Contact
Course coordinator and examinerGöran WidmalmProfessor
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office- Visiting address
Arrhenius laboratory, room M345
Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D
- Here you will find:
Student administrator
International coordinator
Study advisor
Director of studies
- Office hours
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
- Phone hours
Monday and Wednesday 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00
