The structure and properties of organic molecules have long been important foundational knowledge within biological processes. Furthermore, many biologically relevant molecules contain carbonyl groups and carbonyl chemistry is a theme within many metabolic transformations. Despite this, carbonyl chemistry is commonly not introduced until second semester of Organic Chemistry. First semester Organic Chemistry is commonly required for nonmajors or for those seeking to advance to professional schools, while second semester Organic Chemistry is not, therefore, eliminating the opportunity to introduce students to these biochemically relevant transformations. To provide all Organic Chemistry students an introduction to this crucial class of functional groups and increase their familiarity with carbonyl chemistry in subsequent coursework, select nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions were incorporated into first semester Organic Chemistry. Herein is discussed the motivations, methodology, and outcomes of this modification and its effects on both first and second semester lecture curriculum and laboratories.

Incorporating carbonyl chemistry in first-semester organic chemistry

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.