CHEM 221-00A: Organic Chemistry I (Summer 2012)

Semester Details: Organic Chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds and an essential ingredient in the education of scientists in a wide range of fields. This course provides a modern introduction to the vast subject. General principles are stressed in an attempt to make connections and to apply widely a set of organizing principles. First we acquire a qualitative understanding of Molecular Orbital Theory, which we use to readily predict the structure and reactivity of all organic molecules. We can then concentrate on the structural aspects of stereochemistry. With this background we can begin to apply these two new encompassing principles to learn the reactions of different classes of organic compounds. A mechanistic approach allows us to answer "why" these reactions proceed as they do. Finally, Organic Chemistry is not a subject confined to the lecture room. We, and most of the biological world around us are made largely of carbon. A keen eye will always be focused on this world.