Theoretical / proof-based
Advanced organic chemistry · Graduate · Chemistry
Topics
Advanced mechanistic analysis
- Curtin–Hammett and dynamic kinetic resolution principles
- More O'Ferrall–Jencks diagrams for complex mechanisms
- Marcus theory applied to organic electron transfer
- Heavy atom and equilibrium isotope effects
- Hammett, Yukawa–Tsuno, and σ* correlations
- Linear free-energy relationships in aliphatic systems
- Matrix isolation and laser flash photolysis of intermediates
- CIDNP and EPR detection of radical pairs
- Computational transition state theory and IRC analysis
- Designing experiments to distinguish stepwise vs concerted pathways
Stereocontrol and selectivity
- Cram, Felkin–Anh, and Cram–Felth models
- Chelation-controlled vs non-chelation addition
- Substrate-controlled diastereoselectivity
- Reagent-controlled and catalyst-controlled enantioselectivity
- Chiral auxiliaries: Evans oxazolidinones and related systems
- Kinetic vs thermodynamic enolate formation
- Asymmetric induction in pericyclic reactions
- Memory of chirality and atropisomerism
- Desymmetrization strategies
- Quantitative analysis of enantiomeric excess and diastereomeric ratios
Pericyclic and photochemical reactions
- Woodward–Hoffmann rules: rigorous FMO analysis
- Photochemical electrocyclic and cycloaddition reactions
- Sigmatropic rearrangements: [1,n], [3,3], [2,3] shifts
- Oxy-Cope and anionic oxy-Cope rearrangements
- Diels–Alder: endo/exo, regio-, and stereoselectivity
- Inverse electron-demand cycloadditions
- Ene reactions and group transfer reactions
- Organocatalytic enamine and iminium activation mechanisms
- Cooperative catalysis and dual activation
- Frontier molecular orbital analysis of complex transformations
Contemporary synthetic methods
- Cross-coupling mechanisms: oxidative addition, transmetalation, RE
- C–H activation: Shilov, directed, and undirected approaches
- Metathesis: Chauvin mechanism and catalyst decomposition
- Photoredox catalysis: single electron transfer cycles
- C–H functionalization with hypervalent iodine and metals
- Radical relay and radical polar crossover mechanisms
- Flow chemistry implications for mechanism and scale
- Asymmetric catalysis: bifunctional and hydrogen-bonding catalysts
- Natural product total synthesis as mechanistic proving ground
- Literature critique of proposed mechanisms in top-tier journals
Pricing
Graduate-level rates are set on consultation. See the pricing page for K–12 and undergraduate rates.