Organic Chemistry

Course Objective

• Describe and analyze the structure, bonding, and physical properties of of organic molecules.

Students will identify functional groups, recognize covalent and non-covalent interactions, determine molecular geometry, and explain structure–property relationships using concepts such as resonance, hybridization, and molecular orbital theory. This includes distinguishing polar/non-polar bonds, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces across a range of organic compounds.

• Interpret and construct detailed mechanisms for organic reactions.

Students will use arrow-pushing formalisms to represent heterolytic and homolytic processes, identify key reactive species (nucleophiles, electrophiles, intermediates, and transition states), and rationalize reaction pathways based on steric and electronic effects. Common reaction types—such as nucleophilic substitutions, additions, and carbonyl transformations—will be explained in mechanistic detail.

• Explain the kinetic and thermodynamic principles that govern organic reactions.

Students will relate reaction rates and equilibria to molecular structure and reaction conditions, using concepts such as activation energy, entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy. These principles will be applied to evaluate reaction feasibility, reversibility, and selectivity in synthetic contexts.

• Assess organic reactions and solvents through the lens of green and sustainable chemistry.

Students will evaluate synthetic methods for their environmental impact by applying the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry. This includes analyzing atom economy, waste generation, solvent choice, and energy efficiency, and proposing improvements using greener reagents, catalytic pathways, or renewable feedstocks.

• Integrate structural, mechanistic, energetic, and sustainability principles to propose and optimize organic syntheses.

Students will demonstrate holistic chemical reasoning by designing or critiquing reaction sequences that balance reactivity with environmental responsibility. This includes identifying steps with poor atom economy, suggesting sustainable alternatives, and evaluating the broader impact of chemical choices on health, safety, and the environment.

Course Content

This course provides a foundational understanding of organic chemistry through the lens of molecular structure, reactivity, and sustainable practice. Students learn how to classify and analyze organic molecules based on bonding, functional groups, stereochemistry, and electronic structure, with an emphasis on mechanistic thinking using molecular orbital theory and the curved-arrow formalism. Core topics include acid-base behavior, reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, and the mechanisms of key transformations such as nucleophilic additions and carbonyl chemistry.

Alongside traditional content, the course integrates principles of green and sustainable chemistry, challenging students to assess and improve synthetic methods in terms of atom economy, solvent choice, energy efficiency, and waste minimization. Theoretical knowledge is constantly linked to real-world applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and industrial chemistry. Case studies and examples drawn from contemporary research and industrial processes encourage students to think critically about how organic chemistry can contribute to innovation while minimizing environmental impact.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

The course meets twice per week and consists of lecture sessions (2 × 45 minutes) and interactive seminars, including peer-to-peer collaboration. While attendance is not compulsory, active participation is strongly encouraged to support deeper understanding and skill development. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning by preparing in advance, engaging in discussions, and making use of the available course resources.

Method of Assessment

The course will involve a final exam (50%) and a group presentation (50%).

Exam info:
Final exam (Content: Clayden chapters 2, 4 – 8, 10, 11)
Re-sit exam (Content same as final exam)

Presentation info:
Students will work in groups to analyze an existing industrial chemical process and propose improvements based on the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry. Using their knowledge of organic structure and reactivity, they will identify environmental drawbacks and suggest feasible, greener alternatives. The project concludes with a class presentation where each group communicates their proposed redesign and its potential impact.

Explanation Canvas

Lecture slides, seminar problem sets, industrial case studies, and group presentation information will be available via Canvas.