00148 - Organic Chemistry

Learning outcomes

The course involves the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of chemical compounds consisting of primarily carbon and hydrogen, which may contain any number of other elements, including nitrogen, oxygen, halogens as well as phosphorus, silicon and sulfur. Organic compounds are sorted into organic families defined by functional groups which are small structural units within molecules at which most of the compound's chemical reactions occur. At the end of the course the student will know and understand the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, the main synthetic methods to obtain organic compounds, and by which they transform, the structure-reactivity relationship governing the behavior of organic molecules. He will know the properties of organic compounds both concerning, more strictly, their chemistry, and with broader reference to medicinal chemistry and life science.

Course contents

The course is organized in two parts

Organic Chemistry, Part 1 (Prof. Luca Valgimigli)

1. Covalent bonds and shape of organic molecules

2. Functional groups and IUPAC nomenclature

3. Acids and bases

4. Alkanes and cycloalkanes

5. Stereochemistry

6. Reactions of alkanes: radical reactions

7. Alkenes and Alkynes (Part I)

8. Alkenes and Alkynes (Part II) –

9. Alkyl halides, nucleophilic substitution and β-elimination –

Organic Chemistry, Part 2 (Prof. Claudia Tomasini)

10. Alcohols and thiols

11. Ethers and epoxides

12. Aldehydes and ketones

13. Carboxylic acids

14. Functional derivatives of carboxylic acids

15. Enolate anions and enamines

16. Aromatic compounds (Part I): benzene and its derivatives

17 Aromatic compounds (Part II): reactions of benzene and its derivatives

18. Amines

19. Carbohydrates

20. Lipids

21. Aminoacids and proteins

22. Nucleic acids

Readings/Bibliography

Brown, Iverson, Ansylyn, Foote - Organic Chemistry 7th ed (2014) Cengage Learning.

Brown, Iverson, Anslyn, Foote - Student Study Guide and Solutions Manual - Organic Chemistry 7th ed (2014) Cengage Learning.

John McMurry - Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition (2011) Loose Leaf

Study Guide with Solutions Manual for McMurry's Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, 7^th edition

Teaching methods

The course is based on frontal lessons. Some written tests will be held during the semester, to train the students in the resolution of problems of organic chemistry, to be prepared for the final examination. All classes will be delivered at the blackboard, interacting with students to stimulate a critical discussion.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of a written test and an oral examination.

The written test is based on the resolution of problems of organic chemistry, and the prediction of reaction products, on stereochemistry and nomenclature.

The oral examination will focus on the mechanism of main organic reactions. Admittance to the oral examination is based on the positive outcome of the written test, which is preliminary. With respect to the written test, the oral examination can also be postponed to a different exams’ session, upon request of the student.

Teaching tools

Copy of the slides used during classes will be provided to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Claudia Tomasini

See the website of Luca Valgimigli