|
Lecturer(s)
|
-
Pospíšil Jiří, doc. RNDr. PhD.
|
|
Course content
|
Course Content (EN) The course focuses on contemporary approaches to strategic planning in organic synthesis and molecular design. Students are introduced to retrosynthetic analysis, efficient route design, and critical evaluation of alternative synthetic strategies. Topics include computer-assisted retrosynthesis, artificial intelligence in synthesis planning, organometallic catalysis, organocatalysis, biocatalysis, and emerging technologies such as photoredox catalysis, electrochemical synthesis, flow chemistry, and automation. The course incorporates critical analysis of contemporary case studies from total synthesis, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and methodology development. Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and the formulation of original solutions to complex synthetic challenges. Study Materials The primary study materials consist of lectures, recommended textbooks, review articles, and current publications in leading international journals. Students work extensively with primary literature focused on retrosynthetic analysis, strategic synthesis planning, modern catalytic methodologies, and emerging technologies in organic synthesis. Selected review papers and case studies illustrating current trends in molecular design, synthetic strategy, and methodology development form an integral part of the course.
|
|
Learning activities and teaching methods
|
Lecture
- Preparation for the Exam
- 37 hours per semester
- Attendace
- 6 hours per semester
- Semestral Work
- 55 hours per semester
|
|
Learning outcomes
|
The course aims to develop strategic thinking in modern organic synthesis and molecular design. Students become familiar with contemporary approaches to retrosynthetic planning, selection of synthetic and catalytic methodologies, and the application of modern technologies in route design. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation of alternative solutions, analysis of scientific literature, and the formulation of independent strategies for addressing complex synthetic challenges. The course promotes independent scientific reasoning, creative problem-solving, and the effective use of current knowledge in the design and synthesis of functional molecules.
The student is able to independently analyse scientific literature related to contemporary synthetic strategies and molecular design. They can design and critically evaluate synthetic routes toward complex molecular targets, compare alternative retrosynthetic solutions, and justify strategic decisions using scientific evidence. The student is capable of considering the role of catalysis, emerging synthetic methodologies, and modern technologies in route design. They can communicate complex synthetic concepts in professional discussions, formulate original solutions to synthetic challenges, and apply acquired knowledge to the planning of research projects in synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology.
|
|
Prerequisites
|
Students are expected to possess Master's-level knowledge of organic chemistry, particularly in reaction mechanisms, synthetic methodologies, and the fundamentals of retrosynthetic analysis. The ability to independently study and critically evaluate scientific literature in English is required. Basic familiarity with catalysis, chemical biology, or modern approaches to molecular design is advantageous but not mandatory for successful course completion.
|
|
Assessment methods and criteria
|
Oral exam, Seminar Work
Active participation in the block course and independent study of scientific literature. Students are required to prepare a critical analysis of a contemporary synthetic strategy based on primary scientific literature in the form of a 5-10 page written report. The examination includes a 30-minute scientific presentation followed by a discussion. Students are expected to demonstrate retrosynthetic reasoning, critical evaluation of alternative synthetic approaches, the ability to formulate original solutions to synthetic challenges, and professional scientific argumentation based on current concepts in organic synthesis and molecular design.
|
|
Recommended literature
|
-
Clayden, J., Greeves, N., Warren, S., Anslyn, E. V. (2025). Organic Chemistry. 3rd ed.
-
E. J. Corey, X.-M. Cheng. (1995). The Logic of Chemical Synthesis. New York.
-
Nicolaou, K. C.; Montagnon, T. (2008). Molecules That Changed the World: A Brief History of the Art and Science of Synthesis and Its Impact on Society. Weinheim.
-
Nicolaou, K. C., Yu, R., Rigol, S. (2025). Classics in Total Synthesis IV: New Targets, Strategies, Methods. Weinheim.
|