610-122 Chemistry B (Advanced Studies Program)

Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 610-142, 610-162 or 610-052

Chemistry 610-121.

On completion of 610-122, the student should have an understanding of chemical transformation of organic compounds; reaction mechanisms; atomic structure; organic chemical synthesis; and the structure and bonding of transition elements and their important compounds. In the practical component students should develop basic laboratory skills (observation, analytical techniques; report writing); oral communication skills; independent learning skills; appreciation of the importance of instrumental methods in chemistry; and an appreciation of the health and safety issues associated with the safe handling and disposal of laboratory chemicals.

The subject provides an introduction to physical properties and chemical reactions of organic compounds; reaction mechanisms and chemical equilibria; organic acids and bases; nucleophilic substitution (SN1 and SN2); elimination reactions (E1 and E2); electrophilic addition to alkenes; electrophilic aromatic substitution; nucleophilic addition and substitution to carbonyls; oxidation and reduction; radical addition, substitution and polymerisation reactions; chemical kinetics; atomic spectra and atomic structure; the wave nature of matter; the Schrodinger equation; the structure and bonding of transition elements and their important compounds; redox reactions (reduction/oxidation); the chemical, technological and analytical applications of electrochemistry; and the structure, applications and biological roles of transition metal coordination compounds.

Two 30-minute written class tests held during the semester (20%); ongoing assessment of practical work throughout the semester (20%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (60%). Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject.

• S Zumdahl, Chemical Principles. 5th edn, Houghton Mifflin, 2005.
• J McMurry, Organic Chemistry. 6th edn, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2004.