CHEM 311 Physical Organic Chemistry (Not offered 1999-2000; to be offered 2000-2001)

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. Lectures: three hours a week; laboratory: four hours a week. Evaluation is based on problem sets, two hour tests, laboratory work, and a final exam. Prerequisites: Chemistry 201-202.