1/CH/A1
Chemistry A1
Aim: To serve as a revision of the organic chemistry previously covered at A-level and to provide an
introduction to the general areas of functional group chemistry (particularly the carbonyl group),
nomenclature and mechanism.
Intended outcomes Students should be able to:
name simple organic compounds and to write molecular formulae from given names;
identify suitable reagents for selected organic reactions and describe their mechanisms using
curly arrows
carry out simple organic preparations in the laboratory.
Content:
L M Harwood (4 lectures) Foundations of Organic Chemistry. Introduction to atomic structure,
orbital and hybridisation electron accounting, drawing structures, representing electron movement,
bonding in alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic molecules.
L M Harwood (3 lectures) Nomenclature: how to name organic compds according to IUPAC rules
A Gilbert (10 lectures) Basic principles of organic chemistry; structure and bonding; the use of curly
arrows; electron distributions and reactivity; reactive species. Mechanistic principles in organic
chemistry. Isomeric structures. Reactions of ethenes: addition of hydrogen, hydrogen halides, and
halogens; Markovnikov, anti-Markovnikov, radical reactions, hydroboration; epoxide formation,
ozonolysis, and diol formation. Chemistry of alkynes, hydrogenation to give Z-alkenes. Outline of
cycloaddition process. Aromatic chemistry: electrophilic attack, acylation, alkylation, sulphonation,
etc.
J E McKendrick (12 lectures) Carbonyl Chemistry. Classification according to chemical reactivity:
examples of industrially important compounds. Reactions of carbonyl compounds with nucleophilic
reagents; reactions with reducing reagents; Grignard reagents; hydroxylamine and hydrazines; acetal
formation and its role in protection. Methods for removing carbonyl groups. Conjugate addition to
,-unsaturated compounds. Keto-enol tautomerism and acid-base reactions. Chemistry of
carboxylic acids and derivatives: illustrative examples from natural product chemistry.
F J Davis (8 lectures) Application of Functional Group Chemistry. Basic chemistry of industrial
significance and pharmacological properties of artificial sweeteners, flavours and perfumes,
herbicides, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Laboratory class (approximately 30 hours)
Terms(s)
Autum, Spring
Number of modules: 2
Department
Chemistry
Modules CH121, CH221
Pre-requisites
A-level Chemistry or equivalent
Co-requisites None
Excluded Units
1/CH/C
Required for
All chemistry-related degree courses, Biochemistry, Pathobiology
Convener
Professor L M Harwood
Lecturers
Prof L M Harwood, Prof A Gilbert, Dr F J Davis, Dr J B Sweeney.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:
Factual information will be given in lectures which will be supplemented by regular tutorials,
workshops and appropriate practical work. Students will be expected to have read the relevant
sections of J Claydon, N Greaves, S Warren, W Wothers, Organic Chemistry, in their own time.
ASSESSMENT:
Coursework
5% from tutorials, 20% from practical work
Weight: 25%
Examination
One paper of 3 hours
Weight: 75%
Examination Period
April
Requirement for a Pass
An overall mark of at least 40%
Re-assessment
September
June 2001
Unitdes\partI\2001-2\1cha101.doc