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 chemistry; typology, characteristics and mechanisms of the main chemical reactions applied to organic compounds; basic notions of stereochemistry.

CONTENTS:  The course aims to show some of the main industrial applications of organic chemistry. The described topics and processes are chosen on the basis of their global economic impact and considering some process issues that have led to its evolution over time. Concrete applications of the reactions studied in the previous organic chemistry courses will be shown to stimulate the student's ability to critically analyze the synthetic process.

The following topics will be discussed:

- structure of the chemical industry and the main sectors and chemical products on the market,

- some of the fundamental concepts on which the industrial application of synthetic processes is based (role of catalysis, energy and matter balance, some of the fundamental parameters characterizing the implementation of an organic process from the laboratory to the industrial scale),

- study of some important industrial processes (fossil fuels and petrochemical industry, examples of industrial synthesis of some important organic compounds). In particular, it will be shown that there is no a single approach to the synthesis of a product and how to choose the best synthesis based on the issues of the process.

Readings/Bibliography

F. Cavani, G. Centi, M. Di Serio, I. Rossetti, A. Salvini, G. Strukul, "Fondamenti di chimica industriale", Zanichelli

Teaching methods

The course includes classroom lectures (during which the topics already reported in the section relating to the contents are presented and discussed) and classroom exercises in preparation for the exam.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning takes place through an oral exam, aimed at ascertaining the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills.

Teaching tools

The lessons are presented to the students with the aid of multimedia supports. The slides are made available to the student through the University System (Virtual).

Office hours

See the website of Arianna Quintavalla