CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry I (4 SH)

Organic chemistry is the study of the relationship between the three-dimensional structure and the reactivity of carbon compounds. The chemical and physical properties of organic compounds will be linked to an understanding of orbital theory, electronegativity, strain, and sterics. Reactions of simple organic compounds will be described in terms of electron movement (mechanisms) and kinetic vs. thermodynamic parameters. The laboratory will emphasize development of purification, isolation, and identification techniques, particularly chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 224, with a minimum grade of C- and an annual safety training outside of class.