Some topics include mechanisms of acid and base catalyzed reactions, nucleophilic and electrophilic displacements and substitutions, addition and elimination reactions, condensations, inter- and intramolecular rearrangements, electrocyclic ring openings and closings, and sigmatropic shifts. The properties and synthesis of heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur relationships between structure and chemical and physical properties and the general principles of reactivity and synthesis are studied. The fundamentals of the subject are explored. Selected topics, with an emphasis on the relation of symmetry to molecular structure and the physical properties of organic compounds are studied. An advanced course dealing with the applications of organo-transition metal reagents in organic synthesis.
Emphasis is placed on systems already in use.
Discussion of the scope and limitations of the methods in terms of mechanism is held. The chemical mechanisms of enzyme-catalyzed reactions are studied. The nature and sequence of events at enzyme active sites, emphasizing the participation of prosthetic groups and amino acid side chains in catalysis are also studied. Topics discussed include the use of kinetic, spectroscopic, and structural data as well as substrate analog and isotopic substitution studies for analysis of enzyme mechanisms. The operation and application of instrumentation used in modern chemical research is covered.