PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Catalog description

(Slashed with CHEM 40485 and CHEM 70485 ) This course presents a modern view of organic chemistry through the study of organic reaction mechanisms, advanced chemical bonding theories, high-energy intermediates and reactivity patterns common to organic chemical reactions. Emphasis is placed on synthetic organic chemistry with a focus on chemical structure, reactivity, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, physical and chemical behavior and reaction mechanisms. Central to these investigations is understanding the use of molecular spectroscopy and molecular modeling software as investigative tools. A specific goal of this course is to introduce students to concepts necessary to solving mechanistic organic problems encountered in the research laboratory. The course covers common organic reaction mechanisms, experimental techniques and theoretical approaches to understanding reaction mechanisms. All topics are approached from a structural and mechanistic perspective. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of organic chemistry in biochemical systems. Classroom time is divided into lectures, discussions and problem solving sessions to enable students to develop both advanced knowledge and problem solving skills in organic chemistry.