Organic Physical Chemistry
- Week 1: Hckel molecular orbital theory and its application to simple systemsWeek 2: Perturbational molecular orbital method; calculation of electron density, charge, and free valenceWeek 3: Aromaticity and Hckel's ruleWeek 4: Types of pericyclic reactions; Woodward-Hoffmann orbital symmetry theory; methods for determining stereochemistry in electrocyclic reactionsWeek 5: Continuation of electrocyclic reactions; examination of Woodward-Hoffmann orbital symmetry selection rules in determining product stereochemistryWeek 6: First midterm exam (covering Hckel molecular orbital theory)Week 7: Examination of Woodward-Hoffmann orbital symmetry selection rules in ionic systems; study of group transfer reactionsWeek 8: Continuation of pericyclic reactions: cycloaddition reactions and Woodward-Hoffmann orbital symmetry selection rules for product stereochemistryWeek 9: Stereochemistry and regioselectivity of Diels-Alder reactions; cycloaddition reactions in ionic systemsWeek 10: Continuation of pericyclic reactions: types of sigmatropic reactions and Woodward-Hoffmann orbital symmetry selection rules for product stereochemistryWeek 11: Continuation of sigmatropic reactions; study of cheletropic reactionsWeek 12: Second midterm exam (covering pericyclic reactions)Week 13: Predicting organic reaction mechanisms using the Hammett equationWeek 14: Continuation of the Hammett equation; analysis of acidity and basicityWeek 15: Primary isotope effects and... SecondaryWeek 16Troubleshooting / Review