Prospectus

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Stereochemistry (STC)

Course
2020-2021

Admission requirements

Elective course for MSc Chemistry and MSc Life Science and Technology students.

A BSc degree in Chemistry, Molecular Science and Technology, Life Science and Technology or a related discipline with a strong background in Organic Chemistry and a basic familiarity with non-covalent interactions.

Description

This course treats the subject of stereochemistry in detail and spans the spectrum of organic, inorganic, and supramolecular chemistry. First, different types of configurational and conformational isomerism and their nomenclature are explained. Then, physical methods for the determination of absolute configuration, conformation, and enantiomeric excess, as well as chiral resolution methods, are discussed. Next, an overview is given of chirality in supramolecular systems, macromolecules and mechanically interlocked structures. The last part of the course covers principles and applications of asymmetric catalysis and finally, the origin of homochirality on earth is debated.

Course objectives

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

  • Identify the different types of stereoisomerism and chirality

  • Apply sequence rules and Fischer projections for correct stereochemical assignment

  • Interpret ORD/CD spectra to determine absolute configuration and conformation

  • Describe the principles of chiral recognition and chirality transfer and amplification

  • Predict the stereochemical outcome of a metal/organo-catalyzed chemical reaction

  • Design a stereoselective synthesis route of a chiral molecule via catalytic reactions

  • Critically evaluate a research paper related to a topic of choice in stereochemistry

Timetable

Schedule information can be found on the website of the programmes. Assignment deadlines are communicated via Brightspace.

Mode of instruction

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment method

Written examination (70%) and 2-page literature essay (30%). Dependent on the corona measures in place at the time of the final exam, the final assessment may need to be replaced by an online open book exam or an oral exam. Changes to the assessment method will be announced via Brightspace a minimum of 10 working days before the originally scheduled exam date.

Reading list

Clayden, Greeves & Warren, Organic Chemistry, 2nd edition, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-19-927029-3
Handouts

Registration

Register for this course via uSis

Contact

Dr. Sander Wezenberg

Remarks

According to OER article 4.8, students are entitled to view their marked examination for a period of 30 days following the publication of the results of a written examination. Students should contact the lecturer to make an appointment for such an inspection session.