Chemistry MSci

This module aims to provide a framework for understanding the action of heterogeneous catalysts in terms of adsorption/desorption processes and for understanding catalyst promotion in terms of chemical and structural phenomenon and also describes a wide variety of homogeneous catalytic processes based on organo-transition metal chemistry.

Use of frontier molecular orbital analysis to explain and predict stereochemical and regiochemical outcomes of pericyclic reactions (Woodward-Hoffmann rules etc).

Examples will be drawn from Diels-Alder reactions, cycloadditions [4+2] and [2+2], [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements (eg Claisen and Cope), [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements (eg Wittig and Mislow-Evans).

Generation and use of reactive intermediates in synthesis (ie radicals, carbenes, nitrenes).

For the project, you will put into practice methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising the chemical literature. The module will provide experience in experimental design and methodology, the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data (both in written and verbal form).

This module aims to teach and put into practice methods of accessing, assessing and critically appraising the chemical literature. It will provide experience in experimental design and methodology and the recording, analysis and reporting of physical data (both in written and verbal form).

Palladium catalysis in organic synthesis - Tsuji-Trost pi-allyl chemistry, Heck and Stille reaction, Suzuki, Buchwald-Hartwig and Sonagashira coupling, C-H Activation, etc, with illustrative examples in synthesis.

Selectivity issues in organic synthesis Overview of reactivity principles. Synthesis of organometallics (mainly organolithiums) via metal-halogen exchange, metallation etc., including special methods of unsaturated types (Shapiro reaction, ortho-metallation) and heterosubstituted systems. Connective C=C bond formation, including Julia and Peterson olefinations (synthesis examples) and use of sulfur ylides for epoxidation and cyclopropanation. Cuprate chemistry, centred on conjugate addition-electrophilic quench sequences (regiospecfic enolates), but also including carbocupration and substitution. Protecting groups revisited, synthesis of amino acids and peptides. Stereochemistry revised, and an introduction to asymmetric synthesis, including chiral pool, chiral reagents, chial auxiliaries for enolate alkylation and amine synthesis, and catalytic asymmetric oxidation and reduction.

Use of frontier molecular orbital analysis to explain and predict stereochemical and regiochemical outcomes of pericyclic reactions (Woodward-Hoffmann rules etc). Examples will be drawn from (1) cycloadditions [4+2] (e.g. Diels-Alder, 1,3-dipolar), and [2+2]; (2) Electrocyclization reactions and selectivity rules under thermal and photochemical conditions; (3) Sigmatropic rearrangements (e.g. [3,3]- Claisen and Cope; [2,3]-Wittig, [2,3]-Still-Wittig and Mislow-Evans).

Generation and use of reactive intermediates in synthesis (i.e. radicals, carbenes, nitrenes, and arynes). Miscellaneous rearrangement reactions to electron-deficient carbon, nitrogen or oxygen.

This module covers inorganic mechanisms and the overarching fundamental principles of greener and sustainable chemistry as applied to processes, inorganic reaction mechanisms, and discussion on the theme of greener and sustainable chemistry

Students should gain a good appreciation of the applications for a range of enzymological, chemical and molecular biological techniques to probe cellular processes and catalysis at the forefront in chemical biology research.

This module represents a culmination of principles and techniques from a biophysical, molecular, biochemical and genetic perspective.

A general introduction to lasers, including laser radiation and its properties will be given.

A number of current laser spectroscopic methods will be reviewed, which allow the determination of vibrational frequencies and structures.

Examples will cover ground and excited state neutral molecules, radicals and complexes, as well as cations of these.

An introduction to modern diffraction methods will be given, involving neutrons, electrons and X-rays.

Applications will cover solids (crystalline and amorphous), liquids and gases.

Throughout, there will be extensive examples from the research literature.

This module will develop an understanding of protein structure, stability, design and methods of structural analysis. In addition you will understand the protein folding problem and experimental approaches to the analysis of protein folding kinetics and the application of site-directed mutagenesis.

You will also be expected to develop a number of spectroscopic experimental techniques to probe protein structures.

There will be two hours of lectures a week.

What influence does a chemist have in the modern drug discovery process? And how can chemists use their knowledge to aid the development of new therapeutics? In this module you will apply knowledge of how chemical structures influence drug potency, pharmacokinetics, and their safety. You will gain insight onto the developmental process of designing a drug and their action once they have reached their desired target.

You’ll study: 

• Drug Targets and How They Bind 
• Measuring Drug Activity 
• Lead Compounds and Strategies for Improving Drug Potency and Selectivity 
• Pharmacokinetics (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination) 
• Drug Design in a Safe Manner  
• Desired Drug Properties