Heterocyclic Chemistry

Course content

Synthesis and reactivity of simple heteroaromatic compounds: pyridines, quinolines, diazines, pyrylium salts, pyrones, furans, thiophenes, indoles and different five-membered rings with two heteroatoms. Nomenclature in heterocyclic chemistry. Some applications of heterocyclic compounds.

Education

MSc Programme in Medicinal Chemistry

Learning outcome

Competences:
The student should be able to suggest syntheses of simple heterocyclic compounds and explain the reactivity of heteroaromatic compounds.

Skills:
The student should be able to identify differences in reactivities of heterocyclic compounds and be able to demonstrate how heterocyclic compounds can be prepared from simple starting materials. Moreover, the student should be able to name both mono- and polycyclic heterocyclic compounds. 

Knowledge:
Synthesis and reactivity of heterocyclic compounds. Particular focus on pyridines, quinolines, diazines, pyrylium salts, pyrones, furans, thiophenes, pyrrols, indoles, benzothiophenes, and benzofurans.

Lectures + Class room exercises

J. A. Joule, K. Mills, ”Heterocyclic Chemistry”, 5th Ed., Blackwell Publishing
M. B. Nielsen, Notes: Naming Heterocyclic Compounds

The student should be familiar with the general chemistry of the carbonyl group, including nucleophilic addition, conjugate addition, nucleophilic substitution at the carbonyl group, imine formation, enolate formation, and specific enol equivalents. In regard to carbonyl chemistry, the student should be familiar with the aldol and Claisen ester condensations. In addition, knowledge on the Diels-Alder cycloaddition is expected. Terms such as regio-, chemo-, and stereoselectivity are prerequisites as well as knowledge on common protecting groups for carbonyls, amines, and alcohols.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

Oral
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 min (no preparation time)
Oral examination (about 30 min.) in one of the topics of the course. The student will pick a question based on one of the heterocyclic compound classes that has been covered, or a question based on more general concept. The student should present the topic at the blackboard without any aids. The examiner will also ask questions outside the specific question that was arbitrarily picked by the student. The student will also be asked to name one specific compound.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
several internal examiners
Criteria for exam assessment

The student should satisfy the learning outcomes.

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 25
  • Preparation
  • 156,5
  • Theory exercises
  • 24
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • English
  • 206,0