Organic Chemistry
Exploring the Structure and Reactivity of Organic Molecules

CHEM 231
Whittier College
Fall 2004

Introduction:

Organic chemistry is the science that investigates the characteristics, structure and reactivity of molecules that contain carbon.  The fundamental concepts covered in this class will enable you to understand the chemistry that occurs in small molecules like methane (CH₄) , in medicinally related molecules like Taxol (seen in the figures below), and in large biological molecules such as proteins and DNA.

 

The Pacific Yew Tree from which Taxol was obtained.	The chemical structure of Taxol (Click for a 3D Chime Model)
The molecular motions of Taxol	The medicinally important interaction of Taxol with Tubulin
A Standard DNA Helix

• Develop logical problem solving skills
• Develop skills in differential diagnosis
• Understand the fundamental relationship between structure and reactivity within organic molecules
• Understand and use the scientific method
• Learn about the fundamental reactions of organic chemistry
• Become familiar with the laboratory skills and techniques used in the field.
• Become familiar with the chemical literature
• Learn how to write about organic chemistry
• Develop the skills to describe chemistry to non-scientists

Department of Chemistry
Whittier College
13615 Earlham Drive
13406 East Philadelphia
Whittier, CA 90608-4413
Main: (562) 907-4200
Fax: (562) 693-6117

Last Updated 09/03/2004
Any Questions, Contact Darren Stoub