CHM2911: Synthetic Chemistry

Before I begin this review, I'd like it noted that the unit is currently undergoing a lot of changes. Even if you take the unit next year, a lot of what I've written might be changed.

This unit is a fairly standard chemistry unit, and required if you plan on majoring in Chemistry (whilst not specifically stated in the handbook, you *have* to do CHM2911 to be able to do enough third units for a major. This doesn't reflect on CHM2922, though). Essentially, it looks at two forms of synthesis - synthesis with organic reagents, and synthesis with inorganic reagents. The tests are nice and chill, and done in groups. The OLAs are quite different, and this year our first one was an informal lab report (i.e, 7 questions and a conclusion) which helped you learn how to use chem draw (a software to draw molecules and display them in 3D), the second one being the use of peerwise, which is a website based around writing and answering questions on a given topic. The first OLA required drawing molecules given by the demonstrator, and the second required you to write x amount of questions, answer y amount of questions and give feedback on z amount of questions. Both were fairly easy, given you put some effort into it.

Where there's two lecturers, the first lecturer is the one I had.

• Kellie Tuck (Organic Chemistry I)
• Philip Chan/Brenden Wilkinson (Organic Chemistry II)
• Tina Overton (Coordination Chemistry)
• Tina Overton/Cameron Jones (Organometallic Chemistry)

Yes, two mock exams were provided.

4 out of 5

Yes, with screen capture.

There's 4 recommended texts. I borrowed them all from the library, and I don't even remember what they were called. *Definitely* not needed unless you plan on going on further into organic chemistry (even then, only the main one was recommended by Kellie, who lectures CHM3922). The textbook for inorganic was not commented on.

2015 Semester 1

84 HD

Prac work: 30% (

This subject is a prerequisite for most 3rd-year chemistry units. (so definitely a must if you wish to major in Chemistry).

The subject is largely divided into four sections:

mainly builds on concepts learnt in first-year chemistry (properties of ligands, properties and structures of metal complexes, crystal field theory) and goes into a bit more depth. Lots of different kinds of ligands are introduced (thankfully, only a small subset of these need to be memorised). Crystal field theory is expanded upon a bit more, and is linked to UV-Vis spectroscopy. There is also a bit on the equilibria and thermodynamics (with regard to stability) at the end of the section.

Inorganic Chemistry: Leone Spiccia
Organometallic Chemistry: Cameron Jones
Organic Chemistry Part 1 : Kellie Tuck
Organic Chemistry Part 2: Brendan Wilkinson

builds on the organic chemistry learnt in first-year, specifically mechanisms, resonance, carbocations and organic reactions. Don't worry if this isn't your strongest area of chemistry, all the first-year stuff is revised and everyone is brought up to speed. In terms of new concepts, NMR is covered in a bit more detail, as well as the different mechanisms of substitution and elimination reactions. If you want to do well in this section, make sure you have got the basics down pat.

is more about the various kinds of transformations involving functional groups that we can make (particularly those involving the carbonyl group). There are a lot of reactions and reagents to learn for this section. The difference between substitution and addition reactions is discussed, and how to predict which reaction will occur. Oxidation and reduction from an organic chemistry point of view is covered. Towards the end, there is a bit on pericylic and aromatic chemistry reactions. I felt this was the most memory-intensive of the four.

On the whole, this was a very enjoyable unit. All of the lecturers were very adept at explaining concepts, and all were more than happy to answer questions during and after lectures.

The labs could be draining at times (finishing uni at 6pm was never easy), but the lab demonstrators knew their stuff well, and were quite helpful and considerate, especially considering my ineptitude and slowness. In the labs, you mainly perform experiments related to the content covered in lectures (though the order of the labs won't necessarily match up to what you're currently learning). You also learn a wide variety of techniques (by the end of the semester, we had all tried Melting point, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy. Thin-Layer Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, Liquid-liquid extraction, Recrystallisation and lots of Vacuum Filtration).

The lab marks consist of filling in 'proformas', which are just like worksheets, except you have to fill in an MSDS at the front, which is basically a risk assessment of all the chemicals and hazards you are dealing with in the prac. Weeks 1 and 2 are 'dry labs', you practice interpreting NMR spectra here. The 'wet' labs start from Week 3. Make sure you have good safety goggles and a lab coat. Gloves are provided.

The tutorials usually take one of two forms: Either you attempt the questions, and call the lecturer over when you're having a bit of trouble, or the lecturer will make it more interactive, and pick some questions for the class to have a Q-and-A session over. They're not compulsory, but doing the tute questions is good practice for the final exam.

The textbooks aren't really necessary to do well in the unit, but do offer good explanations (and can help a fair bit when trying to answer the lab proforma questions). Lecture notes are how content is delivered. Note, though, that some of the textbooks may be needed in 3rd year chemistry, should you wish to continue.
The subject isn't overly demanding in terms of workload, but there is a lot of content, so make sure you know at least a little before SWOTVAC comes along. It's practically impossible to cram this in one or two nights if you're looking for a really good mark. During SWOTVAC, a few revision sessions were held (where you just show up and ask the lecturer questions). These were quite helpful too. The exam isn't also overly difficult (but is a bit more difficult than the 1st-year exams), so long as you have revised.

is more of an introduction, since this isn't really covered that much in first-year. It covers an introduction to organometallic bonding (the orbitals, electron donation and physical chemistry stuff), the 18-electron rule for complexes (similar to the Octet rule for regular molecules), and a wide variety of organometallic ligands and reaction types. Towards the end of the section, the role of organometallic chemistry in industry is covered, with some catalytic cycles discussed.

Yes, many available from the Monash Library Exams database. Exams from the past two or three years are available, as well as some older ones (though the course structure may have changed a little since then).

5/5

Yes, with screen capture.

C.E Housecroft, A. G. Sharpe, Inorganic Chemistry (4ed. in Sem 1 2013)
J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren, Organic Chemistry (2ed. in Sem 1 2013)

Neither of these is compulsory to buy.

3 x 1 hour lectures per week
1 x 4 hour lab per week (Week 1 and 2 have 2 hour labs)1 x 1 hour tutorial per week (

Semester 1, 2013

Unknown at this time.

A few, but no solutions manual

4.5/5

Yes, with screen capture

Semester 1, 2013

86 HD