It is also the first course in the sequence for science majors and premedical students. This course is designed to reinforce problem solving methods that are used in Atoms and Molecules, Organic 1, Organic 2, and Introduction to Equilibrium and Reactivity. The quantitative aspects of chemistry are emphasized. The chemistry of aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkenes, alkynes, benzene, and alkyl halides is introduced. Radical substitution, addition and elimination mechanisms are studied in detail.
Emphasis is placed on stereochemistry.
One four-hour laboratory session per week is included. There is an emphasis on one-step synthetic conversions which introduce the reactions to be studied in the lecture course. Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives are studied. Nucleophilic substitution, acyl transfer and carbonyl condensation reactions are developed. The mechanistic implications and synthetic applications of these organic reactions are evaluated.