Chemistry of natural products

Natural products occupy a major place in the field of biomolecular chemistry. They represent an important source of bioactive compounds for medicinal chemistry. This teaching unit provides a comprehensive overview of secondary metabolism and the origin of natural products derived from plants. This teaching unit will focus on the organic chemistry behind the various biotransformations that occur during the biosynthesis of each major class of molecule. A mechanistic approach will be used to understand the chemical basis of each transformation.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 13 

TD: 7

The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the chemistry of natural products by providing a fundamental understanding of: the concept of natural products as secondary metabolites (terpenes, alkaloids, phenols, polyketides), their structures, their classification, and their biosynthesis and synthesis pathways. By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1) identify the different classes of natural products; 2) understand the chemical basis of their biosynthesis pathways; and 3) understand the field of biomimetic synthesis of compounds of biological interest.

Bachelor's degree in organic chemistry

Written final exam: 2 hours

Course:

- Introduction 

- Secondary metabolites

- Different families of natural products: biosynthesis and synthesis pathways, illustrations in the field of bioactive molecules and pharmacological properties.

• Terpenoids

• Alkaloids
• Phenolic compounds
• Polyketides

- Biomimetic synthesis routes for natural compounds

TD:

Illustration of concepts covered in class through exercises.