55393 - Organic Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the class the student has a basic knowledge of the different types of organic compounds and the mechanism of the most important reactions. Also, he has a good knowledge of the structure and reactivity of the main families of bio-molecules.

Course contents

Module 1

Introduction to Organic Chemistry: historical overview, importance of organic molecules, and molecular structure

Resonance structures

Acidity and basicity: review of fundamental concepts

Stereoisomerism of organic compounds

Systematic study of functional groups: nomenclature, structure, physicochemical properties, synthesis, and reactivity

• Alkanes and cycloalkanes
• Alkyl halides
• Alkenes
• Alkynes
• Aromatic compounds
• Alcohols and ethers
• Thiols and sulfides
• Aldehydes and ketones
• Amines
• Carboxylic acids and their derivatives

Module 2.

Carbohydrates: monosaccharides (structure, stereochemistry, Fischer projections), emiacetal structures, furanosides and pyranosides (Haworth projections and chair conformations, mutarotation), glycosides, examples of disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.

Aminoacids and proteins: a-aminoacids (structure, acidic and basic properties, stereochemistry, Fischer projections, essential a-aminoacids, proteinogenic and not), peptides (nature and geometry of the peptide bond, peptide structure), proteins (primary structure and its determination, secondary structure, tertiary and quaternary, main biological functions of proteins).

Lipids: main characteristics and classes of lipids, triglycerides (structure, synthesis and hydrolysis, properties, soaps and micelles), phospholipids (structure and functions), steroids (structure, cholesterol and lipoproteins, examples of steroidic hormones), other classes of lipids

Readings/Bibliography

 Modulo 1.

- W. H. Brown, T. Poon, Introduzione alla Chimica Organica, 7a ed., 2023, EdiSES.

- Tavola di Chimica Organica, 2017, Edizioni IDELSON-GNOCCHI

Modulo 2.

- J. McMurry "Chimica Organica, un approccio biologico", Ed. Zanichelli, Bologna.

Teaching methods

The course is organized in two teaching modules. 

Both the teaching units consist of lectures followed by in-class practices on the applications of the main concepts. Lessons of the first teaching unit are focused on these topics: nomenclature and reactivity of the most common functional groups in organic chemistry as well as stereochemistry concepts.

Lessons of the second teaching unit, characterized by a descriptive approach, present the most common classes of bio-organic molecules (structure and properties)

Theoretical lectures. Problem solution

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a written test (duration: 1.5 hours, on site) comprising multiple open-ended questions (typically nine). The purpose of the examination is to assess whether students have achieved the following learning outcome:

• Knowledge of the nomenclature, structure, stereochemistry, and reactivity of the major functional groups found in organic molecules and biomolecules.

With regard to assessment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

The written examination is a single integrated assessment covering both modules of the course.

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

Exam simulations in classroom.

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Calvaresi

See the website of Susanna Guernelli