Learning objectives
The course aims at providing to the students the fundamental knowledge of organic chemistry which allow them to understand the properties and the reactivity of organic compounds, starting point for the study of biochemistry.
Prerequisites
Attending the course of General Chemistry
Course unit content
Short overview on the following topics: electron structure of the atoms, bonds, intermolecular interactions. The covalent bonds and the shape of the molecules. <br />
Kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the chemical reactions. Reaction energy graphics: transition state and intermediate. <br />
Formula and structure of organic molecules, structural isomers, resonance. <br />
Organic compounds classified on the basis of the functional groups. <br />
Nomenclature, structure, physical properties and reactivity of: alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, dienes, alkyl halides, alcohols, thiols, ethers, thioethers, amines, aromatic compounds, phenols, heterocyclic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives compounds. Structures and main reactions of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids. <br />
Stereochemistry : conformational and configurational isomers, cis-trans isomerism, chirality, optical activity, absolute configuration. Importance of the chirality in biologic systems. <br />
Reaction mechanisms. The main types of organic reactions. The main intermediates of organic reactions: carbocation, carbanions, carbon radicals. <br />
Bibliography
W. H. Brown, Introduzione alla Chimica Organica, EdiSES, Napoli <br />
J. McMurry, Fondamenti di Chimica Organica, Zanichelli <br />
Teaching methods
Exercises on the reactivity of organic molecules will be discussed. <br />
Examination will be based on written exercises. Oral examination if request by the student or the teacher <br />