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 Applied Organic Chemistry: Synthesis of Natural Products in Industry
Code CHEM436
Coordinator Dr A Sergeev
Chemistry
A.Sergeev@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

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

CHEM333 Further Organic Chemistry 

Aims

This module aims to demonstrate the application of organic chemistry for the industrial synthesis of key organic building blocks (petrochemicals), biosynthesis and industrial synthesis of important classes of natural compounds. It will also highlight the history of discovery and applications of an array of notable natural products.


Learning Outcomes

(L7-1) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of important classes of natural compounds and their main applications in medicine, agriculture, food and perfume industry

(L7-2) Ability to show understanding of key factors underpinning sustainable industrial organic synthesis

(L7-3) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of main industrial pathways for the generation of basic organic building blocks from natural resources (petroleum and natural gas)

(L7-4) Ability to demonstrate knowledge of important biosyntheses and industrial syntheses of a range of natural compounds

(L7-5) Ability to apply knowledge of organic chemistry and catalysis to understanding of important industrial organic transformations


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Class-based lectures.
Problem-based active learning.

The course will be taught through a series of on-line lectures, (equivalent of 14 standard lectures and one revision lecture).
The lectures will be supported by three face-to-face problem-based tutorials in weeks 4, 7 and 10, with tutorial work submitted online and marked before each tutorial.
The tutorials will give students the opportunity to obtain clear feedback and evaluate their progress.


Syllabus

 

1. Industrial organic chemicals: commodity and fine chemicals (including natural organic chemicals)
2. Main building blocks and biosynthetic pathways for making natural products in plants: mevalonate/isoprenoid, shikimate and polyketide pathways
3. General considerations for clean and safe industrial synthesis: green chemistry principles
4. Types and applications of natural organic compounds: terpenoinds, phenylpropanoids, polyketides, alkaloids
5. Overview and synthesis of important classes of natural products including, but not limiting to:
•Dyes and colourants (e.g. indigo, carotene, astaxanthine)
•Fragrances and flavourings: terpenoids and carotenoids (e.g. menthol, ionone, citral), jasmonoids (e.g. jasmone), benzenoids (e.g. vanillin, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde)
•Vitamins (e.g. Vitamins A and D)
•Pharmaceuticals: opioids (e.g. morphine, codeine, naloxone), cannabinoids (e.g. tetrahydrocannabinol), statins (e.g. atorvast atin), steroids (e. g. progesterone, estradiol), hormonal contraceptives (e.g. levongestrel), steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. hydrocortisone)
•Agrochemicals: insecticides (e.g. pyrethroids), pheromones (e.g. disparlure)


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 15

        3

18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen comprehensive open-book written exam, in person. Marked anonymously.  120    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Three tutorials, in person.    30