Chemistry
Reactivity of Organic Compounds
Module code: F1601
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Unseen examination
This module builds on your knowledge of electrons in atoms and molecules, and extends it to the behaviour of electrons in organic molecules in order to understand reactivity.
You will analyse the structure of a range of organic molecules, including biologically active agents and biomolecules, to appreciate how structure and stereochemistry impacts upon properties and function.
You’ll look at the descriptions of bonding and functional group chemistry, exploring the most common and relevant functional groups such as:
- alcohols
- halides
- alkenes
- arenes
- aldehydes
- ketones
- esters
- acids
- carboxylate derivatives
This will help you understand their physical and chemical properties.
Module learning outcomes
- Have an understanding of the structure and function of organic compounds and biomolecules, including nomenclature and stereochemistry
- Describe the bonding of simple organic molecules and the polarisation of different atoms in molecules, to predict the reactivity of basic functional groups.
- Have a general understanding of the acid and base properties of organic molecules and predict acid/base behaviour using pKa.
- Use the curved arrow notation to show how a chemical transformation has taken place.