Instructor: Gretchen E. Hofmeister
NHS 303B
933-7039
ghofmeis@gac.edu
Office Hrs: M,W,F 1:30-3 PM
Textbook: The Art of Writing Reasonable Organic Reaction Mechanisms, by Robert Grossman
Resources:
Online
Answer Keys for Textbook Problems
Answer
Key for Chapter 2
Answer
Key for Chapter 3
Content: This course focuses on writing reasonable mechanisms, based on fundamental chemical principles, for organic transformations. Topics will include (in more or less detail) radical, pericyclic and organometallic mechanisms, in addition to the polar mechanisms with which you are more familiar.
Objectives: The primary objective of this course is to develop your ability to write a reasonable mechanism for ANY organic reaction you encounter, not just ones that you are familiar with. In the process, you will gain a more comprehensive and integrated understanding of organic reactivity.
As part of this objective, we will work to develop your skills
in:
-writing, describing, and explaining organic reaction mechanisms
and models
-interpreting unfamiliar reactions presented in the primary literature
-researching and presenting (in oral and written form) a chemically
reasonable explanation of a modern synthetic organic transformation
Grade: Homework & Quizzes 30%
Midterm Exam 20%
Oral Presentation 10%
Final Paper 15%
Final Exam 25%