Describes an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment (requiring three/four 3-hour laboratory sessions) involving a four-stage synthesis of 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines via the Pictet-Spengler route. In addition, the experiment allows students to study the spectra and properties of aklaloid-like materials while completing several…

Investigated predictors of success in organic chemistry and how well freshmen chemistry predicts grades in other science courses (biology and physics) and success in entering medical school. Subjects were 254 freshman enrolling in freshman chemistry at Columbia College (the all-male undergraduate division of Columbia University) in 1978. (JN)

Background information and procedures are provided for a demonstration of intramolecular versus intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The demonstration is based on structural changes in bilirubin molecules which lead to changes in physical properties. A list of further investigations to try is included. (JN)

A cost-analysis competition was introduced into the experimental synthesis sequence of an organic chemistry course. Rationale for the approach as well as experiments involved are discussed. (JN)

Describes a microscale laboratory course in which students perform many classic organic reactions using only one-hundredth to one-thousandth the amount of starting material usual in student experiments. Reduction of toxic chemicals concentration in laboratory air and savings in chemical costs and experimental time are benefits of the novel course.…

Describes a Grignard reaction in a step synthesis that can be used in the laboratory to demonstrate several experimental and instrumental techniques. (MLH)

Describes some recent advances in enzyme structure and action, including a description of enzyme-substrate interaction. Discusses the methods for determination of amino acid sequences in proteins; the actions of chymotrypsin, trypsin, and elastase; and details of the enzyme-substrate complex derived from kinetic studies and x-ray diffraction…

Examines recent studies of the elimination-addition mechanism of acyl group transfer, in which an acid function moves from one acceptor to another. Presents diagnostic evidence for this mechanism and discusses acyl group transfers in metabolism. (MLH)

Presents two hydroboration-alkylation sequences, each requiring a three-hour laboratory period, that demonstrate the synthetic utility of the organoboranes. (MLH)

Describes the quantitative analysis of a gaseous mixture using peak heights and ratios between the peak heights. (MLH)

This chemistry textbook presents a beginning course for schools or colleges. It presents a more complete classification than usual according to chemical analogies, the explanation of chemical phenomena in ordinary language, as well as symbols, and the addition of a complete set of formulae in the appendix. A number of recent and important…

This chemistry textbook presents a beginning course for schools or colleges. It presents a more complete classification than usual according to chemical analogies, the explanation of chemical phenomena in ordinary language, as well as symbols, and the addition of a complete set of formulae in the appendix. A number of recent and important…

Attempts to identify common assumptions which underlie introductory courses in organic chemistry, and relates these to some learning difficulties experienced by students. (Author/JR)

Describes the development of a scheme which allows the production of a complete synthesis tree through the backward analysis of a target molecule into precursor and pathway catalogues. The logical organizing framework will find applications to teaching of multistep organic synthesis. (CC)