ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Organic Chemistry is one of the core courses in the chemistry area of the Environmental Sciences program. It contributes to the development of professionals capable of understanding and evaluating the molecular implications of organic compounds in the environment. Specifically, it provides the knowledge necessary to analyze the structure, properties, and reactivity of the main functional groups and organic contaminants, in line with the educational objectives of the program (Table A4.b2) regarding the understanding of environmental chemical processes and the assessment of the toxicity and reactivity of compounds. The course strengthens the ability to assess the environmental quality of various matrices, as well as preparation for environmental impact assessments.

1. Knowledge and understanding
- Understanding of the most common chemical structures present in the organic compounds;
- Knowledge of the nomenclature of organic molecules.
- Knowledge of the chemical-physical properties of the different functional groups including the eventual toxicity.
- Knowledge and Understanding of the reactivity of the functional groups and to understand the different reactivity of the most common electrophilic and nucleophilic compounds.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- Applying correctly the knowledge acquired for the identification of the molecular structure of organic compounds (i.e. hybridization)
- Applying the terminology and nomenclature inherent in organic compounds perfectly.
- Ability in interpreting the chemical-physical properties and possible toxicity of organic compounds according to their structure and the presence of the different functional groups present.
- Ability to apply the acquired knowledge for the identification of the reactivity of the different electrophiles and nucleophiles studied during the course.

3. Ability to judge
- Ability in discussing the properties of organic compounds based on their chemical structure.
- Ability in discussing the most common reaction mechanisms

4. Communication skills
- Ability in reporting the concepts acquired on the common functional groups, using appropriate terminology.
- Knowing how to interact with peers and with the tutor, in a critical and respectful manner, in the presence and on the course's facebook page.

5. Learning skills
- Improving the ability in taking notes during classes and share them in a collaborative way with the colleagues.
- Being able to consult critically the reference texts and the bibliography contained in them.

Before taking this course, it is strongly recommended that you have passed the General Chemistry exam, or at least have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry (atom, chemical bonds, stoichiometry, acid-base equilibria), which are essential for understanding the reactions of organic compounds.

The Organic Chemistry class is focused on the study of the major functional groups in organic chemistry, on the understanding of organic synthesis and related reaction mechanisms.

In particular, the course will cover the following topics:
- Covalent bond and molecular orbitals (4h)
- Acids and bases in organic chemistry (2h)
- Alkanes and cycloalkanes (4h)
- Alkenes and alkynes (5h)
- Chirality (3h)
- Alkyl halides (nucleophilic substitution) (2h)
- Alcohols, ethers and epoxides (3h)
- Benzene and its derivatives (5h)
- Amines (2h)
- Aldehydes and ketones (6h)
- Carboxylic acids (2h)
- Functional derivatives of carboxylic acids (2h)
- Carbohydrates (4h)
- Exercises in class (6)

"Introduction to Organic Chemistry" di William Brown Thomas Poon

"Guida Ragionata allo svolgimento di esercizi di Chimica Organica" M. V. D'auria, O. Taglialatela Scafati, A. Zampella, Loghia Pubblications (This book is present only in Italian, for advise on Organic chemistry exercises book in English please contact the teacher)


The text books are available at the Scientific Area Library. We recommend consulting the latest available edition.

The assessment consists of a written exam consisting of 9–10 open-ended questions. The maximum score is 32/30 to qualify for honors. A supplementary oral exam may be held upon student request.

In evaluating the answers to the written exam (and possibly the oral exam) the following will be considered:
(1) knowledge of the topic
(2) knowledge of the nomenclature of compounds, of the required reaction mechanisms and of the concepts related to Green chemistry;
(3) Clarity of exposition
(4) use of appropriate scientific language.

written

The course exam is written and consists of 9/10 questions covering all the topics addressed during the course. Each question is assigned a score ranging from 2 to 5 points, depending on its complexity. The total score is 32, allowing for the possibility of awarding honors to those who achieve a score higher than 30.

The final score of the exam will be assigned according to the following gradation:
18-22: sufficient knowledge of the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry, with correct answers only on basic concepts. Many topics have not been explored in depth, some reaction mechanisms are not treated in detail. .
23-26: fair knowledge of the concepts related to organic chemistry, with a good number of correct answers. The answers are clearly inaccurate or lack of depth.
27-30: Excellent knowledge of the subject. The answers on fundamental concepts of Organic Chemistry and on reaction mechanisms are detailed and well argued.
Honors: excellent mastery of the topics, with very detailed answers to the questions and excellent presentation skills.

The course is structured around theoretical lectures and classroom exercises focused on guided problem-solving and organic reactions. The activities are designed to consolidate knowledge and promote the practical application of concepts. Slides are available on Moodle.

To request more information on the course or to clarify the topics covered during the course, you can contact the teacher by email or arrange a meeting at his office (Delta building ground floor).

Accommodations and Support Services for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disabilities: Ca' Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) to support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities. If you have a motor, visual, hearing, or other disability (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disability (Law 170/2010) and require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for exams or individualized exams, accessible materials, note-taking, specialized study support, interpreters, or other assistance), please contact the Disability and DSA Office: disabili@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development