Details of CH4201 (Spring 2026)

Level: 4 Type: Theory Credits: 4.0

Course CodeCourse NameInstructor(s)
CH4201 Advanced Organic Chemistry II Alakesh Bisai,
Sureshkumar Devarajulu

Preamble
The photochemistry and electrochemistry are considered to be sustainable processes, as they
avoid hazardous reagents, or byproducts in the process. This course introduces the student in
the field of the Photoredox Processes (where light is used to alter the redox properties of
compounds then accelerating chemical reactions by electron transfer between a photocatalyst
and a substrate). The basic principles of Electrocatalysis will be discussed along with its
applications in Organic Synthesis. After successfully completing the course, the students will
be able to predict the biosynthesis of a given natural product depending on its structural
characteristics.

Syllabus
Photoredox Processes and Applications in Organic Synthesis (10 Lectures)
Oxidative and Reductive Quenching Cycles of a Photoredox Catalyst; EDA Complexes and
Exciplexes; Net Oxidative and Reductive Transformations, Net Redox Neutral
Transformations; Organic Photoredox catalysis (Acridiniums, Fluorescein, Rhodamines,
Perylenes, Riboflavin etc.); Merging Photoredox with Asymmetric Catalysis
Electrocatalysis and Applications in Organic Synthesis (7 Lectures)
Anodic oxidation; Main group compounds as mediators; Activation of alkenes with halogens;
a-Functionalization of nitriles and carbonyls; HAT Processes; Phthalimido N-oxyl Radicals
(PINO); Quinuclidine Radical Cations; Oxidation of unactivated C(sp3)H bonds; Oxidation
of Electron-rich Species; Transition metal complex as mediators; Cathodic reduction; Cross-
Electrophile Couplings [C(sp2)C(sp2); C(sp2)C(sp3) etc.]
Organic Photochemistry (7 Lectures):
Energy and electronic spin states, Spectroscopic transitions, photophysical processes,
Jablonski Diagram, fluorescence and phosphorescence, energy transfer and electron transfer,
and properties of excited states, Photochemistry of Alkenes and Carbonyl Compounds
(Norrish Type I and II), and aromatic compounds.
Electron-Transfer Reactions (3 Lectures):
Theoretical basis, Examples of photo-induced and chemically-induced electron transfer
reactions (PET and CET).
Pericyclic Reactions (10 Lectures):
Conservation of orbital symmetry, and Woodward and Hoffmann rules. Electrocyclizations,
Electrocyclic Ring Opening, Cycloaddition Reactions (Sigmatropic Shifts, Sigmatropic
Rearrangements, and Cheletropic reactions. Orbital overlap effects in chemical processes:
FMO and PMO approaches).

References
References
1. Organic Synthesis, 3rd Ed., by M. B. Smith, McGraw Hill Higher Education, (2010).
2. Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach, 2nd Ed. by S. Warren and P. Wyatt,
John Wiley and Sons, (2008).
3. Organic Chemistry, 2nd Ed. by J. Clayden, N. Greeves and S. Warren, Oxford University
Press, (2012).

Course Credit Options

Sl. No.ProgrammeSemester NoCourse Choice
1 IP 2 Not Allowed
2 IP 4 Not Allowed
3 MP ( Chemical Sciences ) 2 Core
4 MP 4 Not Allowed
5 MR 2 Not Allowed
6 MR 4 Not Allowed
7 MS 10 Not Allowed
8 MS 4 Not Allowed
9 MS 6 Not Allowed
10 MS 8 Elective
11 RS 1 Elective
12 RS 2 Elective