This module aims to demonstrate the application of organic chemistry for the industrial synthesis of key organic building blocks (petrochemicals), biosynthesis and industrial synthesis of important classes of natural compounds. It will also highlight the history of discovery and applications of an array of notable natural products.

(LO1) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of important classes of natural compounds and their main applications in medicine, agriculture, food and perfume industry

(LO2) Ability to show understanding of key factors underpinning sustainable industrial organic synthesis

(LO3) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of main industrial pathways for the generation of basic organic building blocks from natural resources (petroleum and natural gas)

(LO4) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of important biosyntheses and industrial syntheses of a range of natural compounds

(LO5) Ability to apply knowledge of organic chemistry and catalysis to understanding of important industrial organic transformations

Lectures 14 x 1 hr (online) + 1 x 1 hr (in-person). The course will be taught through a series of online lectures and an in-person revision lecture.

Coursework. Three in-person problem-based tutorials, with tutorial work submitted online and marked before each tutorial.
The tutorials will give students the opportunity to obtain clear feedback and evaluate their progress.

*Lectures: 15 hr
*Tutorials: 6 hr

1. Natural organic compounds (secondary metabolites): terpenoids, alkaloids, fatty acid derivatives and polyketides, phenylpropanoids
2. Main industrial organic building blocks for the synthesis of natural products in the industry: commodity and fine chemicals
3. General considerations for clean and safe industrial synthesis: green chemistry principles.
4. Main biochemical building blocks and pathways for making natural products: mevalonate/isoprenoid, shikimate and acetate/polyketide pathways
5. Overview and synthesis of important classes of natural products including, but not limited to:
• Dyes and colourants (e.g. indigo, carotene, astaxanthin)
• Fragrances and flavourings: terpenoids and carotenoids (e.g. menthol, ionone, citral), jasmonoids (e.g. jasmone), benzenoids (e.g. vanillin, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde)
• Vitamins (e.g. Vitamins A and D)
• Pharmaceuticals: opioids (e.g. morphine , codeine, naloxone), cannabinoids (e.g. tetrahydrocannabinol), statins (e.g. atorvastatin), steroids (e. g. progesterone, estradiol), hormonal contraceptives (e.g. levongestrel), steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. hydrocortisone)
• Agrochemicals: insecticides (pyrethroids) and pheromones (e. g. disparlure)