Synthetic Chemistry Skills

Our hands-on training program is designed to take participants through the entire workflow of organic synthesis, building practical skills, deep theoretical understanding, and confidence in the lab. This immersive experience is ideal for students, researchers, and professionals aiming to strengthen their expertise in synthetic organic chemistry.

Program Highlights:

1. Literature Search & Reaction Planning
• Introduction to databases such as SciFinder, Reaxys, and Google Scholar.
• Interpreting and analyzing scientific papers and patents.
• Identifying reaction strategies and synthetic pathways.
• Training in retrosynthetic analysis to plan multi-step synthesis.

2. Reaction Design with Chem Draw
• Drawing and understanding chemical structures using Chem Draw.
• Designing synthetic routes with correct stereochemistry and reagents.
• Generating reaction schemes and calculating stoichiometry.
• Using software tools to predict reaction outcomes and yields.

3. Experimental Setup & Lab Execution
• Proper lab safety training including PPE usage, chemical handling, and waste disposal.
• Setting up glassware for reflux, distillation, filtration, and inert atmosphere reactions.
• Weighing and measuring reagents with precision.
• Monitoring reactions using techniques like TLC and UV analysis.

4. Key Organic Reactions Practiced
Participants will carry out a series of carefully selected reactions that are widely used in academia and industry:
• Reductions: Using NaBH₄, LiAlH₄, or catalytic hydrogenation for converting ketones, aldehydes, and nitro compounds.
• Cyclizations: Synthesis of heterocyclic and carbocyclic rings, including intramolecular aldol and Michael additions.
• Amide & Sulfonamide Couplings: Using coupling agents like EDC, DCC, and sulfonyl chlorides to form C–N bonds.
• Esterifications: Classic Fischer esterification and use of acid chlorides.
• Substitutions & Eliminations: SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 reactions.
• Protecting Group Chemistry: Use of BOC, Fmoc, TBDMS groups in multistep synthesis.

5. Product Purification & Work-Up
• Extraction techniques: Liquid-liquid, solid-phase, and acid-base extraction.
• Drying, concentration, and crystallization methods.
• Chromatographic techniques:
o Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
o Column chromatography (manual )
o Recrystallization

6. Analytical Techniques for Structure Confirmation
• Melting point analysis
• UV-Vis Spectroscopy
• FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
• NMR (¹H and ¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) – theoretical introduction and spectra interpretation
• Mass Spectrometry – overview of EI, ESI, and MALDI techniques