Organic Photochemistry

The lecture covers photochemical reactions which proceed via direct excitation, via triplet sensitization, or via a single electron transfer (photoredox catalysis). Particular empasis is directed towards transformations which cannot be achieved by conventional thermal processes. Typical photochemical substrates which will be discussed are alkenes, enones, carbonyl compounds, and arenes. Synthetic apllications and all aspects of selectivity (type selectivity, regioselectivity, stereoselectivity) will be discussed.

After have participated in the module "organic photochemistry" the students are in a position to follow and comprehend current research in the field of organic photochemistry.The will be able to formulate the mechanisms of photochemical reactions which proceed via direct excitation, via triplet sensitization, or via a single electron transfer. They will be familiar with the most important photochemical transformations (photocycloadditions, photocyclizations, rearrangements, abstraction reactions, photoredox catalyzed processes) and will be able to apply them to specific synthetic targets. They will comprehend the stereochemical course of photochemical reactions.

Fundamentals of organic and physical chemistry at B.Sc. level.

The lecture (3 hours per week) will be accompanied by exercise classes which will be held after ca. every fifth lecture session. In the exercises, the students will be motivated to reflect the topics of the lecture and to study individually the current literature. The content of the lecture is presented in oral form on the blackboard and by presentations. In the exercises, the content of the preceding lecture will be trained and the students have the opportunity to check their understanding of the topic.

Presentation on the board or by computer presentations (for special topics).

At the start of the lecture, the students obtain a detailed list of references which allows them to follow the content of the lecture based on the literature.

The exam is taken in written form and has a time allowance of maximal 90 minutes. In the exam it is to be demonstrated that selected aspects of the teaching material can be reproduced within a limited period of time and without any external ancillary devices. The exam also contains transfer components, i.e. questions which require to apply the content of the lecture to a related topic. The exam questions cover the complete lecture material including the accompanying exercises. The answers require partially own calculations and responses in written form, partially the selection of multiple choice answers.