00149 - Applied Organic Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has an overview of the most important applications of organic chemistry in the industrial field and at the same time a basic knowledge of the socio-economic impact of chemistry. 

Course contents

PRE-REQUIREMENTS:  Characteristics and reactivity of functional groups in organic molecules; typology, characteristics, and mechanisms of the main chemical reactions applied to organic compounds; fundamental notions of stereochemistry.

CONTENTS: The course aims to introduce students to some of the key industrial applications of organic chemistry. The topics and processes described are chosen based on their global socio-economic impact and, above all, considering some critical process issues that have led to an improvement toward greater sustainability over time. Industrial applications of the reactions presented in previous organic chemistry courses will be described, with the aim of fostering students' critical analysis of synthetic processes and providing a basic understanding of the socio-economic impact of the chemical industry.

The following topics will be discussed:

- Structure of the chemical industry and the main chemical sectors and products on the market;

- Some of the fundamental principles and phenomena underlying the industrial application of synthetic processes (role of catalysis, energy and material balance, some of the key parameters characterizing the scale up of a synthetic process from laboratory to industrial scale);

- An in-depth look at some important industrial processes involving organic compounds (fossil fuels and petrochemical industry, examples of industrial syntheses of some important organic compounds). In particular, it will be demonstrated how there is not a single approach to product synthesis and how to choose the most appropriate strategy based on the characteristics and critical issues of the process.

An integral part of the course will be a visit to a local chemical company, with the aim of providing students with a concrete understanding of the organization, structure, activities, and decisions made within a chemical company.

Readings/Bibliography

The course content is covered in the book: F. Cavani, G. Centi, M. Di Serio, I. Rossetti, A. Salvini, G. Strukul, "Fondamenti di chimica industriale," Zanichelli. The textbook describes the course topics in greater depth than those required for the exam and also covers topics not included in the course syllabus. Consultation of the textbook (available at the Library) is recommended for clarification or further study.

Teaching methods

The course is held in person in the classroom and it includes lectures, during which the topics listed in the Contents section are presented and discussed. The lectures are presented to students with the aid of multimedia. The slides described and explained during the lectures are made available to students before the lecture via the University system (Virtual). A visit to a local chemical company will also be organized. Attendance at the lectures and the visit is not mandatory. Students are advised that participating in the lectures facilitates learning.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is achieved through an oral exam conducted in class at the blackboard. Two different course topics are asked (see Contents), one of which is always a synthesis, including the description of the mechanism. Each topic is required to be fully described. The exam typically lasts 30-45 minutes, depending on preparation and clarity of presentation.

The purpose of the oral exam is to assess: i) the student's acquisition of the knowledge provided by the course (Contents); ii) the ability of the student to apply the knowledge and make the necessary logical-deductive connections; iii) the ability to clearly, logically, and technically describe a synthetic process, critically analyzing its characteristics.

Seven exam sessions are offered each year (January, February, April, June, July, September, and November).

Final grade:

Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course; ability to describe and analyze a synthetic process that emerges only with the instructor's assistance; expression in comprehensible language but with gaps in specific terminology → 18-22.

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course; ability to independently describe only topics learned memorized; moderate ability to critically analyze a synthetic process; expression in correct language → 23-26.

Preparation on a very large number of topics covered in the course; ability to connect concepts related to different parts of the course; ability to independently describe a topic with completeness, clarity, and mastery of specific terminology; ability to critically analyze a synthetic process → 27-30 with honors.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

 

Teaching tools

Lectures are presented to students using multimedia. The slides described and explained during lectures are made available to students before the lecture via the University system (Virtual). Regular consultation is recommended. For clarification or further information, it is recommended to consult the reference text (see Bibliography).

Office hours

See the website of Arianna Quintavalla