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Advanced Organic Chemistry Course Overview

Sep 5, 2024

Chem 125: Advanced Organic Chemistry - Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Professor: James Nowick
  • Course: Chem 125, Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • Class Website: Contains syllabus, homework assignments, exams, answer keys, class materials, and video links.
  • Videos: Lectures posted about a week after class on YouTube and iTunes U.

Course Structure

  • Office Hours: Set times available, but flexible. Teaching assistant: Stan Yu. Peer tutor: Sebastian.
  • Textbook: New edition by Anne Faberkowitz (2015). Concise, continues from sophomore OCHEM textbook.
    • Supplementary Texts: Suggested for additional reading.
  • Discussion Sections: Three available. Attend one mandatory.

Course Content

  • Key Topics: Functional groups, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms.
  • Chapters: 10 chapters in 10 weeks. First two chapters covered in one week.
  • Problem-Focused Learning: Emphasis on working problems to learn concepts.
  • Exams and Homework: Two exams (midterm and final), with problems similar to homework.

Expectations

  • Attendance: Class attendance is necessary due to dense textbook material.
  • Homework: Essential for mastering content. No answer keys provided but corrections on submissions.
  • Exams: Closed book, no make-up exams without valid reason.
  • Academic Integrity: Strict policy against cheating.

Nomenclature and Course Material

  • Chapter 1: Focus on nomenclature and structure of organic molecules.
    • Functional Groups: Importance in identifying and naming molecules.
    • Stereochemistry: Con-Engold-Prelog system for assigning priorities.
  • Bicyclic Compounds: Naming and structure, e.g., bicyclo[3.2.1]octane.
    • Numbering: Starts at bridgehead, follows longest bridge.
    • Anatomy: Understanding 'exo' and 'endo' faces.

Advanced Topics

  • Organic Reaction Mechanisms: Graduate-level exploration.
  • Synthesis: Transformation of functional groups.
  • Spectroscopy: Focus on NMR, brief review of IR and mass spectrometry.

Visualization Tools

  • PyMole Software: Available for students to visualize molecular structures.

Questions and Interaction

  • Student Questions: Encouraged throughout lecture on various topics.

Conclusion

  • Final Thoughts: Encouragement to engage with the material, work problems, and utilize resources available for mastering course content.

Important Dates

  • Midterm: Friday, May 6 (Chapters 1-5)
  • Final Exam: Monday, June 6 (Chapters 1-10 Comprehensive)

These notes summarize the key points of the lecture, providing an overview of the course structure, expectations, and initial content on organic nomenclature and molecular visualization.

Full transcript