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    Overview

    Application of the principles of organic chemistry to an understanding of why organic compounds react as they do; to develop the ability to predict the course of a chemical reaction to allow for the design of controlled and selective chemical transformations.

    CHEM302 Organic Chemistry focuses on how the concepts and techniques of organic chemistry may be applied to interpret chemical reactions and to plan chemical transformations. The principles involved apply equally to reactions performed in the laboratory and to those proceeding in living systems.

    About this paper

    Paper title Organic Chemistry
    Subject Chemistry
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    CHEM 202
    Schedule C
    Science
    Eligibility

    CHEM302 is an important paper for chemistry majors wishing to proceed to a career that involves organic chemistry and for all general degree students requiring knowledge and understanding of organic chemistry to underpin their major subject.

    Contact

    Dr Eng Wui Tan

    Tel 64 3 479 7926

    Location: Science II, 2n9

    ewtan@chemistry.otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Dr Eng Wui Tan

    Lecturers: Professor James Crowley

    Associate Professor Bill Hawkins

    Dr Nick Green

    Paper Structure

    The topics covered in CHEM302 are:

    • Frontier molecular orbital theory and reactive intermediates.
      • Examination of the transformations involving carbocations, carbenes and free radicals, including reactions that involve structural rearrangements.
      • Pericyclic reactions such as electrocyclic reactions; cycloadditions and 1,3-dipolar additions will also be studied.
      • An underlying theoretical basis will be the use of pictorial representations of molecular orbitals to interpret the selectivity of chemical reactions.
    • Heterocyclic chemistry.
      • Structure, nomenclature, aromaticity and reactivity of heterocycles.
      • Synthesis of heterocycles via condensation and pericyclic reactions.
      • Cross-coupling reactions of heterocycles.
    • Molecules of living systems.
      • Neighbouring group effects: bridged reaction intermediates, rate acceleration, rearrangements, organometallic catalysis and asymmetric induction.
    Teaching Arrangements
    There are three lectures and one 4-hour laboratory class each week.
    Textbooks

    Highly Recommended:

    Bruice, P.Y. Organic Chemistry, (4th edn), Prentice-Hall

    Recommended:

    March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure, (4th or 5th edn), Wiley

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Expectations at the completion of the paper:
    • An attainment of appropriate knowledge of pericyclic reactions, reactions of carbon-centred reaction intermediates, the chemistry of heterocyclic aromatic compounds, synthetic reaction analysis, reagent choice, compound purification and spectroscopic characterisation
    • An ability to work efficiently and effectively in a multistep laboratory synthesis while planning ahead to reduce any perceived hazards
    • An ability to analyse critically an experimental procedure and write a formal report using standard scientific terminology

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    Tuesday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    Wednesday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 29-35, 37-42
    A2 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 29-35, 37-42
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