Organic Chemistry 3.1

This module expands on topics previously introduced in other organic chemistry modules.  In-depth coverage is provided of the concept of aromaticity and of factors influencing both rate and orientation in electrophilic aromatic substitution.  The mechanistic basis of carbon-carbon bond forming reactions is dealt with in detail, with various organometallic reagents and reactions involving carbanions discussed.  Chemoselective oxidation and reduction reactions are also studied.  Previous coverage of infrared and 1H-NMR is expanded on, 13C-NMR is introduced, as is mass spectrometry, and information from the various spectroscopic techniques is integrated with a view to solving structures of organic molecules.

1. Explain the phenomenon of aromaticity in organic chemistry including molecular orbital theory, reactivity effects and orientation in electrophilic aromatic substitution

2. Identify chemoselectivity in reactions involving oxidising agents, reducing agents and organometallics

3. Describe a variety of carbon-carbon bond forming reactions including the mechanism involved and their application in organic synthesis

4. Integrate information from infrared, ¹H NMR,  ¹³C NMR and mass spectrometry in order to assign structures to small aliphatic and aromatic organic molecules.

5. Carry out a range of synthetic and analytical techniques within a laboratory setting appropriate to synthetic organic chemistry