CHEM 303(F) Synthetic Organic Chemistry

The origins of organic chemistry are in the chemistry of living things and the emphasis of this course is on the chemistry of naturally-occurring compounds. The logic and practice of chemical total synthesis are presented while stressing the structures, properties and preparations of terpenes, polyketides and alkaloids. Modern synthetic reactions are surveyed with an emphasis on the stereochemical and mechanistic themes that underlie them. To meet the requirements for the semester's term paper, each student chooses an article from the recent synthetic literature and then analyzes the logic and strategy involved in the published work. Laboratory sessions introduce students to techniques for synthesis and purification of natural products and their synthetic precursors. Evaluation is based on problem sets, hour exams, laboratory work, a term paper, a final exam, and class participation. Lectures: three hours a week; laboratory: four hours a week. Prerequisites: Chemistry 201-202. Open to sophomores with permission of instructor.

Hour:  DALTON