The aim of this module is to introduce students to the basic techniques used in synthetic organic chemistry.

(LO1) Upon successful completion of the module, a student is expected to possess proficiency with basic techniques of synthetic chemistry (setting up reactions, product isolation,purification techniques and analytic characterization).

(LO2) Upon successful completion of the module, a student is expected to have the basic understanding of electronic search methods for chemical information using specialized databases

(LO3) Upon successful completion of the module, a student is expected to have basic ability to interpret 1H NMR, MS and IR spectra of simple organic molecules

(LO4) Upon successful completion of the module, a student is expected to have basic understanding of scientific writing

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Organisational skills

This course will be taught by a series of 2 lectures, 6 practical sessions and 2 workshops in the Chemistry department. During each lab period each student will perform independently a new experiment, following the instructions in the lab manual and building on the instructional material posted on Canvas. Demonstrators, the module leader and technicians are present in the lab to provide hands-on advice and guidance with specific technical tasks and to ensure safe operation. After each lab, a written report summarizing the experimental results and explaining any deviations from the expected outcomes is due. In workshops the students are asked to complete a series of assignments (which they can complete before coming to class).

*Practical: 18 hr
*Lectures: 2 hr
*Workshops: 4 hr

Lecture 1: Good practice and safety in the lab.
Lecture 2: Basic principles of NMR spectroscopy and interpretation of spectra.

Experiment 1: Determination of melting point and analysis of a mixture by thin layer chromatography.
Experiment 2: Separation of benzoic acid and biphenyl by acid-base extraction.
Experiment 3: Crystallisation of benzoic acid and identification of an unknown compound by IR spectrometer.
Experiment 4: Active principles in drug tablets (TLC, MS, NMR and IR interpretation)
Experiment 5: Hydrolysis of methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate (methyl salicylate).
Experiment 6: Preparation of 3-acetylcoumarin

Workshop 1: Structure-based chemical database searching.
Workshop 2: Interpretation of MS, IR and 1H NMR data.