The aim of the module is to present the synthesis and reactivity of the most important classes of heterocyclic compounds and to present case studies drawn from major drug classes.

(LO1) By the end of the module students will have achieved a solid foundation in Organic Chemistry. In particular, they will be expected to be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of
* The structural features and reactivity of heterocyclic compounds, including stereochemistry.
* Some of the major synthetic pathways in heterocyclic chemistry, involving carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond formation, functional group interconversions and ring substitution.
* Awareness of the importance of heterocycles as key components in major drug classes and combinatorial libraries.
In addition, they will be able to give examples of their use in modern synthetic methodology and have an awareness of the importance of three-dimensional structure in Organic Chemistry.

This module consists of 18 lectures (50 minutes), supported by 2 1-hour tutorials, and assessment problems related to material presented in the lectures.
The tutorials provide opportunities for practice of the reaction mechanisms of the important carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond forming reactions and application to real-life drug molecules.

* Introduction to heterocycles. Stereoelectronics of ring closing reactions. Baldwin's rules. The concept of "Chemical Space".
* Synthesis and reactions of pyridines and diazines. The synthesis of pyridine based drugs such as Omeprazole and Amlodipine.
* Chemistry of pyrroles, furans and thiopenes. The synthesis of drugs containing these ring sustems such as Losartan and Fatmotidine.
* Lipitor - A case study. This covers the detailed process of drug discovery.
* Chemistry of diazoles (imidazoles, pyrazoles, thiazoles, oxazoles) and the synthesis of drugs containing these ring systems
* Synthesis and reactivity of indoles. The synthesis of indole containing drugs as Sumatriptan
* Synthesis and chemistry of quinolones and isoquinolines, with relevant examples of medicinally important compounds containing these heterocyclic units including Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Quinapril and Paperavine.
* The synthesis of saturated nitrogen heterocycles including piperidines and pyrrolidines.