F A detailed study of the theories of atomic structure and chemical bonding emphasizing VB and MO theory. The theoretical aspects of periodic trends, bonding and properties of coordination compounds and organometallic chemistry are presented. The mathematical basis of group theory with application to MO theory and spectroscopy is presented. A capstone laboratory course required of professional chemistry majors in their senior year. The lab will have an emphasis on projects involving synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds, analysis, and physical property determination of the products and computational chemistry applied to the products.
Specific projects depend on the interest of instructor and students.
In-depth interpretation of NMR, IR, and mass spectra will be included. A study of basic organic reactions and their mechanisms. Emphases may vary among such topics as bonding theory, molecular structure and properties, structural and electronic effects on reactivity, orbital symmetry rules, and method of determining reaction mechanism. Offered on demand. Selected topics based on current student and faculty interest are established prior to course offering.