Chemistry of Natural Products

Natural products play a major role in the field of biomolecular chemistry. They represent an important source of bioactive compounds for medicinal chemistry. This course provides a comprehensive overview of secondary metabolism and the origin of natural products derived from plants. This course will focus on the organic chemistry underlying 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 unit 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 biosynthetic and synthetic pathways. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1) identify the different classes of natural products; 2) understand the chemical basis of their biosynthetic pathways; and 3) understand the field of biomimetic synthesis of biologically relevant compounds.

Bachelor's Degree in Organic Chemistry

Final written exam: 2 hours

Course:

- Introduction 

- Secondary metabolites

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

• Terpenoids

• Alkaloids
• Phenolic compounds
• Polyketides

- Biomimetic synthesis routes for natural compounds

TD:

Illustration of the concepts covered in class through the completion of exercises.