Methods for establishing the structure of organic compounds are presented, with an emphasis on NMR and IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The chemistry of carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives, amines, and heterocyclic compounds is discussed. Finally, the organic chemistry of carbohydrates and amino acids is presented. The course grade is usually derived from three or four one-hour exams and a comprehensive final. Because the chemistry of carbon is three-dimensional, students are strongly advised to buy and use a molecular models kit.
Presentation is oriented toward majors in the chemical sciences.
Physical chemistry is the study of the interactions of energy and matter, in particular as related to understanding chemical reaction equilibria, reaction rates and mechanisms, and determination of the structures of atoms, molecules, and solids and liquids. The molecular bases for bulk properties of matter also are studied. This course is the first of a two semester sequence which can be taken in any order. This course is intended primarily for chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering majors. It requires use of differential and integral calculus and skill in problem solving.