Chemistry 242: Organic Chemistry II

Fundamental course in organic chemistry based upon the modern concepts of structure and mechanism of reactions. (Spring)

Chemistry 243: Organic Chemistry II

     Principles of Organic Chemistry with applications in the biomedical sciences.

This course is functionally equivalent to Chem242 as the second term of introductory Organic Chemistry, placing the content in the context of Biology and Medicine. Topics include: 1) alkyl compounds, ethers, epoxides, and sulfides in lipids; 2) carboxylic acids and amines in amino acids; 3) aromatic compounds and heterocycles in nucleic acids; and 4) ketones and aldehydes in carbohydrates. The synthesis and mechanism of action of pharmaceuticals that feature these functional groups will also be discussed. Additionally, Chem243 makes use of 3D structure tutorials, recitation sections, and visits from Biomedical scientists who make use of Chemistry in their work. (Spring)

Chemistry 443: Advanced Organic Chemistry

     Synthetic Methods

Chem 443 is a high level introduction to the primary synthetic methods employed in organic chemistry. Undergraduate organic chemistry is a prerequisite. Mechanisms will be discussed but will not be covered in detail. As such, registration in Chem 441 (Mechanisms) or the completion of its equivalent is required (see instructor). The course focuses primarily on the classical transformations used commonly in synthesis and surveys: protecting group manipulations, unstabilized carbanion reactions, organopalladium reactions, enolate reactions, Diels-Alder reactions, sigmatropic reactions, elimination reactions, Wittig-type olefinations, olefin metathesis, oxidation, and reduction. Basic principles of chemical reactivity and conformational analysis will be covered as well as the rudiments of retrosynthetic analysis. Most reference material is taken directly from the primary literature. The purpose of the course is to provide a tactical understanding of these transformations so that the practitioner can identify the best method for a given task. Grades are determined from performance on examinations, weekly problem sets, writing assignments, pop quizzes, presentations, and class participation. (Fall)

Chemistry 708: Topics in Photochemistry

     Photochemistry

Chem 708 encompasses topics in fundamental and applied photochemistry and photophysics from the perspectives of organic and inorganic chemistry. A general list of topics of interest includes: basic electronic structure, interactions of light with matter/electronic transitions, UV-Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy, energy transfer, kinetics/dynamics, Jablonski diagrams, electron transfer, and applications including semiconductor photosensitizers, photoredox catalysis, solar fuels, artificial photosynthesis, artificial leaves among others. (Spring)