Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Preparative Chemistry: Synthesis and Characterisation
Code CHEM245
Coordinator Dr JW Gaynor
Chemistry
J.W.Gaynor@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

The module aims to present a unified approach to the synthesis and characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds and will build on techniques introduced in the first year laboratory courses.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will complete a number of different experiments and synthetic techniques across synthetic, organic and inorganic chemistry.

(LO2) Students will appreciate how spectroscopic techniques can be used in the characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds and will be able to use analytical and spectroscopic methods to characterise their synthesised compounds.

(LO3) Students will make use of scientific databases during some assignments and an electronic report.

(LO4) Students will assess the risks involved in chemical lab work and handle chemical materials in a safe manner.

(LO5) Students should be able to organise and plan their time effectively

(LO6) Students will experience working collaboratively with others in multiple learning environments

(S1) Organisational skills

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Teamwork


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Virtual labs: Students will be placed into groups and work through a series of guidance videos and preliminary activities before undertaking the virtual experiments. Individuals will prepare abstracts/reports which is followed by a peer review process to generate a group submission for each experiment.

Lab experience: Students will be expected to complete a series of synthetic experiments. Each experiment will have a preliminary exercise (which includes a consideration of safety issues) which must be completed to a satisfactory standard before the experiment is performed. On completion of the experiment, students must produce various forms of experimental write-ups describing what was done and submit their results. Students will undertake two separate lab experiences, the first being 1 week in length and the second being 2-3 days.

Group activities and workshops: These are supplemented by online lectures on spectroscopy, databases and health and safety and assessed throug h vital tests and individual, and group, submissions on Canvas.


Syllabus

 

Labs
Students are expected to complete a variety of synthetic, organic and inorganic experiments which may include, but not limited to:

• A Hantzsch pyridine synthesis.
• A Grignard reaction using a protecting group.
• Preparation and analysis of acetylacetonato-complexes of metals.
• Comparing copper complexes of ‘soft’ PPh3 and ‘hard’ O=PPh3

Supporting exercises include lab book write ups, abstract writing, pre- and post- experimental group and individual activities, submission of results and calculations and engagement with safety.
Virtual Lab: Students are expected to complete two virtual experiments which may include, but are not limited to:
• Working with TopSpin and investigating the separation of fluorene/fluorenone using column chromatography
• Discussion of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) based around magnesium formate
Virtual labor atory activities will be completed in groups. Individuals will prepare abstracts/reports, building on the database workshops outlined below, which is followed by a peer review process to generate a group submission for each experiment

Workshops: There are 3 main elements of the workshop material

Spectroscopy and analysis methods: Revision and expansion of various spectroscopic techniques including mass spectrometry, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectroscopy, elemental analyses, ICP and NMR (1H and 13C). Spin-spin coupling (J values) in 1H NMR and their use in the determination of stereochemistry and conformational analysis will be introduced. Interpretation of these spectroscopic methods will be required to determine the structures of organic and inorganic molecules.

Databases: The introduction of structure and text combination searches using databases such as Reaxys. The focus will be on small molecules, inorganic salts and simple organometallics and searching usin g chemical properites, reactions, stereochemistry, generic groups and reagents.

Safety: A variety of safety lectures and online workshops/tests will be completed both individually and in groups to fully prepare students for their time in the lab but also building wider understanding of the legislation and national frameworks for health and safety processes.

Group work: Lots of group work will take place during this course

Lots of group work will take place during in class sessions but assessment will be predominantly individual by online submission. All larger activities will be subjected to peer evaluation methods. Any larger workshop based group activities will be subject to peer evaluation/adjustment.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       56

  11

67
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 83
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Lab experience. One week in semester one and 2-3 days in semester two. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. There is no reassessment opportuni  7-8 days    45       
Group activities. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. There is no reassessment opportunity.  Throughout Semester     10       
Workshops Spectroscopy and databases. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. There is a resit opportunity comprising a single piece of work on sp  throughout semester     20       
Virtual lab. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. There is a resit opportunity comprising an individually prepared abstract and electronic rep  Throughout Semester     25