Bio-Organic Chemistry
Full course description
Fundamental knowledge of reaction mechanisms and general organic chemistry concepts are the basis of understanding biology at the molecular level. This also provides tools to make completely novel molecules with designed and desired properties for applications in Medicines, Materials and Catalysis. Natural products and Biobased building blocks attract growing attention as crucial resources for the transition from crude-oil based chemical manufacturing towards a more sustainable biobased industry. In this course you will get familiar with fundamental organic chemistry principles and apply them in a number of organic reactions for the synthesis of more complex molecules. These principles will be highlighted with examples from Nature and Biology and applications in the synthesis and production of biobased materials will be discussed.
Course objectives
After the completion of this course you must, in the context of the discussed theory, be able to (ILOs):
1. Understand and apply fundamental Organic Chemistry concepts in the context of Biology and Biobased materials.
2. Predict how a functional group, or a combination of functional groups, reacts under defined reaction conditions and explain or predict chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity where applicable.
3. Describe reactions and reaction types by means of a reaction mechanism.
4. Plan a short synthesis towards more complex (bio)organic molecules in the context of biobased materials
5. Synthesize simple (bio)organic molecules using basic organic synthesis techniques.
6. Purify and characterize the products from the organic syntheses performed.
7. Communicate by oral- and written presentation of experimental results and discussion outcomes.
Recommended reading
Mandatory Literature:
- We use the following textbook:
“Organic Chemistry”, Clayden, Greeves and Warren 2nd Edition, 2012, ISBN: 978-0199270293 (Oxford University Press)
Additional Literature:
- Problem sets (PBL) and experimental procedures (RBL) will be provided by the tutorial staff.
- Suggested experimental book:
“Multiscale Operational Organic Chemistry- A Problem-Solving Approach to the Laboratory Course”, John W. Lehman 2nd Edition, 2009
ISBN: 978-013241375-6 (Pearson Prentice Hall)
We highly recommend (not obligatory) a molecular model set for Organic Chemistry (You are allowed to use this during the exams):
see: https://www.bol.com/nl/p/molecular-model-set-for-organic-chemistry/1001004002880141/
- R.V.A. Orrù