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 aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of organic chemistry while fostering a mindset rooted in sustainable and green chemistry principles. Students will learn not only the key mechanistic and structural principles that govern organic molecules and their reactivity but also how to apply this knowledge to minimize environmental impact, improve chemical efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable chemical industry. The course consists of two more or less independent parts: an organic chemistry part (taught jointly with Medical Natural Sciences) and a sustainable chemistry part (exclusively for SBI).

Organic chemistry is the central language of molecular science and underpins innovations in pharmaceuticals, materials, and biotechnology. However, traditional synthetic practices often rely on hazardous reagents, generate significant waste, and consume non-renewable resources. In this course, students will explore the essential concepts of organic structure and reactivity, including functional groups, acid-base behavior, reaction kinetics, mechanisms, and thermodynamics, alongside a critical assessment of sustainable chemistry aspects of a range of chemical products and processes. These topics will be framed by the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry, encouraging students to think beyond reactivity toward responsible chemical design and practice.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

The organic chemistry part has a classical setup with lectures and tutorials. Attendance at lectures and tutorials is not mandatory, but highly recommended as previous editions have shown a strong correlation between active participation and study results. Students are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly.

The sustainable chemistry part has a project format including an introduction lecture of the projects, progress discussions of the different groups, and final presentations. All meetings of the sustainable chemistry part are mandatory. Students will be assigned to groups during the first week and the schedule for the progress discussion of the different groups will be announced via Canvas.

Method of Assessment

Assessment for this course is conducted by means of a written exam (50%) and a group presentation (50%).

Exam: The exam material comprises all lecture slides as well as the following chapters of the textbook: Organic Chemistry (Clayden): Chapters 2, 4-8, 10 and 11

Presentation: 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

Note: To pass the course, the average of the exam and presentation must be equal to or higher than 5.5, and the exam must be equal to or higher than 5.5. You are not permitted to make use of any generative AI models in this course for generating discussion, slides, figures etc. You may only use AI models as search engines.

Explanation Canvas

Additional course information and materials will be made available through Canvas.