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 2017-18 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

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

Completion of year 1 of either an MChem or a BSc (Hons) Chemistry programme.  

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

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

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.

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

Students will assess the risks inolved in chemical lab work and handle chemical materials in a safe manner.

Students should be able to organise and plan their time effectively

Students will experience working collaboratively with others in multiple learning environments


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Laboratory Work - Lab session are 3 hours each and students can spend 2-3 sessions a week in the laboratory

Whilst scheduled hours equates to 108 hours this is partly interchangable with workshops and self-directed learning. Students expected to spend 72-90 hours in the laboratory. The additional scheduled time also includes completion of pre-lab activities, lab book write-ups, in class assessment and other lab related activities (ie, safety exercises).

Workshops - A series of workshops based around spectroscopy, databases and safety

Time used for in-class material, group activities beyond the class room, individual short assignments and preparation of electronic report (link with lab)

Lecture - Safety and database related lectures


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.
  • Synthesis of dimedone by carbonyl condensations.
  • A Grignard reaction using a protecting group.
  • Separation of fluorene/fluorenone using column chromatography
  • Preparation and analysis of iron(II) oxalate.
  • Preparation and analysis of acetylacetonato-complexes of metals.
  • Preparation of a cobaltammine and the determination of its molecular formula.
  • < li>Preparation of dichlorobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) complex
  • Preparation of a metal-organic framework based around magnesium formate (MOF)
  • Comparing copper complexes of ‘soft’ PPh3 and ‘hard’ O=PPh3

Supporting exercises include a mixture of online and face-to-face strategies including lab book write ups, submission of results and calculations, pre- and post- lab assessments and engagement with safety and the course via checkpoints/assignments. The "MOF" experiment is completed in pairs/threes and students are assessed together. Other experiments may be done as pairs but will be assessed individually.

Workshops 

Spectroscopy and analysis methods: Revision and expansion of various spectroscopic techniques including mass spectrometry, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectroscopy, elemental analyses 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, ChemDraw and electronic reports: This will include a refresher of year 1 database material and the introduction of structure and text combination searches using databases such as Reaxys. The focus will be on small molecules, inorgan ic salts and simple organometallics and searching using chemical properites, reactions, stereochemistry, generic groups and reagents. For the ChemDraw session, students will investigate how to prepare good quality images and investigate other useful tools within ChemDraw (stereochemistry, spectroscopy, etc). This will culminate in how to combine all material learnt into an electronic report.

Safety: Annual safety lecture, NMR safety lecture and workshop on why risk assessments are needed (COSHH, carcinogens and general) and how they are generated via SDS and legislation.

Lots of group work will take place during in class sessions but assess ment will be predominantly individual by online submission and a class test. Any 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.
Explanation of Reading List:

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5
Safety and database related lectures
    108
Lab session are 3 hours each and students can spend 2-3 sessions a week in the laboratory
  25
A series of workshops based around spectroscopy, databases and safety
138
Timetable (if known)       Whilst scheduled hours equates to 108 hours this is partly interchangable with workshops and self-directed learning. Students expected to spend 72-90 hours in the laboratory. The additional scheduled
 
  Time used for in-class material, group activities beyond the class room, individual short assignments and preparation of electronic report (link with lab)
 
 
Private Study 12
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
Coursework  12 week lab course  First  60  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Laboratory There is no reassessment opportunity, Semester long laboratory course. Next re-assessment opportunity is the following academic year 
Coursework  12 week workshop cou  First  40  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Workshops There is no reassessment opportunity, Semester long workshop course. Next re-assessment opportunity is the following academic year. Class test will have resit opportunity Notes (applying to all assessments) Laboratory: Students are responsible for completing enough experiments during the semester. Anonymous marking impossible since lab books are mostly marked in students’ presence to allow for immediate feedback. Overall, assessment is a mixture of online and face-to-face strategies including lab book write ups, submission of results and calculations, pre- and post- lab assessments and engagement with safety and the course via checkpoints/assignments. The "MOF" experiment is completed in pairs/threes and students are assessed together. Other experiments may be done as pairs but will be assessed individually. /// Workshop: Assessment via a series of online tests, a class test and assignments linked to safety, databases and spectroscopy. Assignments assessed in groups will not exceed a quarter of the workshop component and will be subject to peer evaluation