73056 - Methods for the Study of Chirality

Learning outcomes

The main goal of the course is to provide the student with both theoretical and practical backgrounds on: symmetry, molecular chirality and related concepts; main instrumental techniques for stereochemical characterization of organic molecules, biopolymers and supramolecular systems (circular dichroism, NMR, chromatographic methods, nematic liquid crystals, polarimetry, X ray diffraction); methods for the preparation of enantiopure compounds and techniques for the determination of optical purity and absolute configuration. At the end of the course the student achieves a deep understanding of organic stereochemistry and can autonomously perform research in the field.

Course contents

1) The molecular symmetry

2) Chirality and stereogenicity. Topicity relationships

3) Stereogenic units. Prochirality e prostereogenicity

4) Configuration descriptors

5) Physical manifestation of chirality. The role of chirality in biological systems

6) Stereoisomeric enrichment: resolutions and stereoselective transformations

7) Determination of the enantiomeric excess (Polarimetry, NMR, cromatographic methods)

8) Determination of relative and absolute configuration (Chemical correlation, X-ray diffraction, HPLC, NMR, Circular dichroism, Liquid crystal methods)

9) Special topics derived from recent literature

Readings/Bibliography

E.L. Eliel, S.H. Wilen, "Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds"  Wiley Interscience, 1994

Teaching methods

Lectures.

As per the regulations, attendance to the course is mandatory.

Assessment methods

The final examination, aiming at ascertaining the student's acquired skills, consists of an oral presentation in front of classmates, pertaining a specific topic related to the course main contents. The subject will be agreed between student and teacher, who will provide the relevant literature. The presentation will be followed by a brief discussion.

The examination will be held in person, except in the event of public health emergencies, flooding affecting the country, residence in areas classified as high-risk under the new regulations, and/or student vulnerability, as assessed by the University’s Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) Service. Each case will be evaluated individually and, where the relevant requirements are met, the examination may be conducted via Microsoft Teams.

Students with specific learning disorders (DSA) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University Office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The Office will propose any appropriate accommodations to the students concerned. Such accommodations must, however, be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Presentations. Files of presentations will be available for download from Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Masiero