Synthesis of Simple Drugs
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHAR1020 | Pharmacy | 1 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHAR1020
- School
- Pharmacy
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module introduces concepts of reactivity, which are rationalised in the context of the basic reactions that are used to form the bonds in organic molecules.
You will acquire a mechanistic understanding of the reactions that are used to form carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds in simple functionalised aromatic and aliphatic drug molecules.
This module covers:
Basic concepts of reactivity, including collisions, valence electrons, electronegativity, charge, acid-base chemistry, orbital theory, electron flow, nucleophiles and electrophiles. Application of these concepts to nucleophilic additions to carbonyl compounds.
C-heteroatom bond formation reactions, including C-N, C-halogen, C-O, and C-S bond-forming reactions.
Structure determination of drug molecules, including spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, MS) and chromatography methods.
C-C bond formation reactions, including organometallic reactions, enol and enolate chemistry.
Electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions.
Target Students
Year 1 BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSci Pharmaceutical Sciences with a Year in Industry andYear 2 BSc Pharmacology, BSc Pharmacology with placement year.
Assessment
- 30% Report: One assessment covering three practical sessions by electronic submission of a written laboratory report.
- 70% Exam 1 (2-hour): Written exam (in-person)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module provides an integrated approach to develop knowledge and understanding, as well as practical and professional transferrable skills, centred on the synthesis of simple drug molecules.Methods to form carbon-carbon bonds, including organometallic methods and nucleophilic reactions at carbonyl compounds, are introduced. Thermodynamic and kinetic theory necessary to understandreaction equilibria, reaction rates, and catalysis is then used to rationalise mechanisms of nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions.Electrophilic reactions are covered, as well as nucleophilic aromatic substitutions.The synthetically and biosynthetically important topic of enol and enolate chemistry is then tackled.You will obtain an understanding of safe working in a chemical laboratory; acquire essential laboratory skills relevant to the manipulation (isolation, purification, quantitation), analysis (chromatography, spectrometry, spectroscopy), and preparation (synthetic procedures) of organic drug compounds.You will gain chemical numeracy skills and be able to acquire and interpret analytical data qualitatively and quantitatively.You will gain the skills required to write a scientific report including appropriate use of tables, graphs, and appropriate references to the literature and other resources.Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
A. Knowledge and understanding:
A1 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of principles relating to the chemical structure, synthesis, analysis and design of medicinal agents
C. Professional/practical skills
C2 Undertake practical experimental work using appropriate materials, operating procedures and instruments;
C3 Undertake numerical tasks and carry out quantitative analysis relevant to pharmaceutical science;
C6 Apply and report scientific knowledge in an ethical manner.
D. Transferable/key skills
D1 Critically use information resources, including library and electronic sources;
D3 Communicate effectively in a variety of forms, including written, verbal and visual.