Course objectives: to provide an overview of advanced methods of modern synthetic chemistry, focusing here on functional group conversions, as well as of the current efforts at developing sustainable alternatives. Starting with some of the classical reactions from the undergraduate program, we will provide advanced methods, asymmetric versions, ‘greener’ methods, including side-reactions and problem solving approaches.
Carbonyl reduction reactions
• Boron and aluminum hydrides
• Asymmetric reductions
• Sustainable methods
Alkene and alkyne reductions
• Heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation
• Homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation
• Reduction by non-catalytic methods
Carboxamide synthesis
• Amide synthesis and the racemization problem
• Common coupling reagents
• Coupling additives
• Rapid coupling reagents
• Coupling methods
