CHEM 311 Physical Organic Chemistry (Not offered 1998-99)

This course extends the background derived from previous courses to the understanding of organic reaction mechanisms. Correlations between structure and reactivity are examined in terms of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters including solvent effects, isotope effects, stereochemical specificity, linear free energy relationships, acid/base theory, delocalized bonding, and aromaticity. Solvolysis reactions, pericyclic reactions, and molecular and cationic rearrangements are treated in detail. Evaluation is based on problem sets, two hour tests, laboratory work, and a final exam. Lectures: three hours a week; laboratory: four hours a week. Prerequisites: Chemistry 201-202.