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Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Organic Chemistry II
Code CHEM231
Coordinator Dr RP Bonar-Law
Chemistry
R.P.Bonar-Law@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2025-26 Level Two First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):
CHEM130 Introductory Organic Chemistry 2024-25 

Aims

Students will be able to draw mechanisms for basic (Y1 & Y2) reactions.
Students will be able to solve problems involving Y1 & Y2 reactions.
Students will be able to solve retrosynthetic problems involving carbonyl and aromatic chemistry.
Students will be able to solve problems featuring the structure, reactivity and synthesis of common heterocycles.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to draw mechanisms for basic (Y1 & Y2) reactions.

(LO2) Students will be able to solve problems involving Y1 & Y2 reactions.

(LO3) Students will be able to solve retrosynthetic problems involving carbonyl and aromatic chemistry.

(LO4) Students will be able to solve problems featuring the structure, reactivity and synthesis of common heterocycles.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

LLectures: 30 x 1 hr lectures.

Workshops: 4 x 2 hr workshops, formative, problems available in advance, solutions after.

Class Test. 1 hr test mid semester.

*Lectures: 30 hours
*Workshops: 8 hours

Syllabus
 

Revision of year 1 reactions and concepts.
Nucleophilic substitution at saturated carbon
Synthesis and hydrolysis of acetals, esters, amides, nitriles
Preparation of alkyl halides from alcohols
Preparation and reactions of organometallics
Electrophilic additions to alkenes
Cyclohexane conformers

Extension of year 1 reactions and concepts.
Elimination reactions. E1cb and E1, E2 revision
Aromatic chemistry and retrosynthesis
Electrophilic addition to alkenes
Synthetically useful oxidations and reductions
Chirality and resolution

Carbanion chemistry
Acids, bases, enolate anions and other stabilised carbanions
Alkylation
Acylation
Aldol
Conjugate addition

Introduction to aromatic heterocyclic chemistry
Properties and reactions: Pyridines
Quinolines, Isoquinolines, Diazines
Pyrroles, Indoles
Furans, Thiophenes (& benzo versions)
Diazoles, Triazoles, Tetrazoles
Synthesis: Pyri dines and pyrimidines
Pyrroles, furans, thiophenes
Quinolines, isoquinolines, indoles

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30

   8

       38
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 112
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
written exam resit: a singlr online resit  180    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
resit: yes  0    20