B1974 - ISTITUZIONI DI CHIMICA ORGANICA P

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide to the students the basic knowledge of Organic Chemistry, in particular the nomenclature and structure of organic compounds and the correct way to write organic structures. At the end of the course the students have gained knowledge concerning the main functional groups of organic chemistry which are part of the polymeric materials used as matrix for composites. The student is also able to identify the main organic reactions (also catalyzed) involved in polymerization processes: nucleophilic and electrophilic substitutions, additions, anionic, cationic, radical. The student will also know the main organic materials of natural origin seen as components for obtaining biocomposites. Last, students will learn the basis for the identification of organic compounds by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS).

Course contents

The course will include the following contents:

1. Review of general chemistry. The chemistry of carbon. Intermediates: Cations, Anions, radicals.

2. The functional groups of organic chemistry: Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and Arenes. Halogens, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Epoxides, Sulphides, Sulfoxides, Sulphones, Amines, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Acyl Chlorides, Anhydrides, Esters, Amides, Nitriles, Urethanes, Carbonates.

3. Natural organic materials for composites: Carbohydrates (cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, hemp, flax, lignin), Proteins (wool, silk), Fats and Lipids.

4. Organic monomers for obtaining polymers: epoxy resins, polyester, acrylic, cyanoacrylic, phenolic, imide, polysulphone, polyethersulphone resins.

5. Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Mechanisms. Industrial examples of catalysis for amidation, esterification and epoxide reactions 

6. Identification of functional groups in organic monomers and polymers: IR, GC-MS

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material (including notes/slides) made by the teacher and uploaded on the University Virtuale web site

For further details

J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren. Edizione Italiana sulla seconda lingua inglese. Piccin-Nuova Libreria. 2023.

Teaching methods

Presentation of the topics of the lessons through video projections, and insights on the blackboard. Exercises and discussion of recognition of organic/polymeric structures.

Assessment methods

The final examination will determine the level reached by the student in the objectives set out in the " Learning outcomes”

The assessment of the learning consists in a 2 hours written test, without the support of books or notes but with the periodic table, followed by an oral discussion with no more then two questions.

To carry out the written exam registration is required through "Alma exams ", in respect of the mandatory deadlines.

The written test includes 4 questions giving a value of 8 points each as clearly indicated in the text.

The maximum score is therefore 32 out of 30, the honor (cum laude) is automatic after reaching 31 points.

Teaching tools

The slides of the lessons in the latest version can be downloaded via the Virtual platform (virtuale.unibo.it) Use the credentials of the @studio.unibo.it account to connect.

Office hours

See the website of Mauro Comes Franchini