Organic Reaction Mechanisms and Supramolecular Chemistry

• Classify typical elementary steps in homogeneous transition metal catalysis.
• Draw and discuss reasonable energy profiles for reactions using reaction coordinates as well as explain the terms: turnover-limiting step, selectivity-determining step, and catalyst resting state.
• Propose rate laws for stoichiometric and catalytic reactions.
• Explain and interpret results from Hammett studies and kinetic isotope effects.
• Propose experiments that support the intermediacy of radicals as well as the competency of specific molecules as intermediates.
• Utilize stereochemical information to probe for different reaction mechanisms.
• Explain the basic kinetic principles of resolution and asymmetric catalysis.
• Evaluate the likeliness of a reaction mechanism when provided a collection of experimental data.
• Demonstrate knowledge of non-covalent interactions and how they are used in the design of molecular receptors.
• Apply the principles of self-assembly and templated synthesis towards the design of macrocycles, rotaxanes, catenanes and knots.
• Describe experiments and interpret experimental data to characterise supramolecular systems, including determination of binding strength, stoichiometry and conformation.
• Design adaptive and functional materials making use of stimuli-responsive supramolecular building blocks, non-covalent interactions and reversible covalent reactions.

Introduction to homogeneous catalysis with transition metal complexes. Reaction coordinates, kinetics, linear free energy relationships, kinetic isotope effects, single-electron mechanisms, stereochemistry, resolution, and asymmetric catalysis. Non-covalent interactions, molecular receptors, mechanically-interlocked molecules, self-assembled and stimuli-responsive molecular systems, templated synthesis and binding isotherms.

26433, Organic Chemistry 3 (should either be taken before or simultaneously with 26455).
Alternatively, a BSc in chemistry with focus on organic chemistry.

Lectures, problem solving, and oral presentations.