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 course provides a comprehensive overview of the secondary metabolism and origin of natural products from plants. The emphasis in this unit will be on the organic chemistry behind the various biotransformations that occur during the biosynthesis of each major class of molecules. 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 the student with the chemistry of natural products by giving a fundamental understanding of the concept of natural products as secondary metabolites (terpenes, alkaloids, phenols, polyketides), their structures, their classification, their biosynthetic pathways and synthesis. At the end of this course, the student will be able to: 1- identify the different classes of natural products; 2- understand the chemical basis of their biosynthetic pathways; 3- understand the field of biomimetic synthesis of compounds of biological interest.

Organic chemistry degree

Written final test: 2 hours

Course:

- Introduction 

- Secondary metabolites

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

• Terpenoids

• Alkaloids
• Phenolic compounds
• Polyketides

- Biomimetic synthesis pathways of natural compounds

TD:

Illustration of the concepts seen in class through the resolution of exercises.