Mechanistic and Physical Organic Chemistry

This course covers the fundamentals of physical organic chemistry to provide the students with a thorough understanding of chemical reactivity. Within the framework of organic reaction mechanisms, the class discusses a number of topics, including the essence of structure and bonding, the nature of reactive intermediates, and the use of kinetic measurements and isotopic labeling studies to decipher chemical mechanisms. Grades are based on problem sets, a mid-term, and a final exam.