Chem 242 @ Dickinson

Finishing up carbohydrates.....

Today was the final day for carbohydrate material. We first looked at pictures of D-galactose to see how it is possible to go from a Fischer projection of a carbohydrate to a chair conformation with correct stereochemistry. (Remember, you'll need to go back and make sure that you can draw chair configurations!) We then finished up by showing that the -OH group on the anomeric position is the one that is reactive under acidic conditions. Finally, it was shown how this reactivity leads to the formation of complex carbohydrates and also the decomposition of complex carbohydrates into simple carbohydrates.

There were a number of announcements including the news that three candidates for a chemistry/B&MB faculty position will be interviewing over the next several weeks. The first candidate, John Magyar, will be on campus this Wednesday. His research seminar will be at 11:30 on Wednesday in Althouse 4, and his teaching seminar will be at 1:30 in Althouse 5. Please mark your calendars and try to attend one or both, I will be anxious to get student feedback.

The other two candidates will be arriving soon: Danielle Dube will be here on Monday, November 20 (research seminar at 11:30, teaching seminar at 3:00) and Jessica Alexander will be on campus Friday, December 1 (research seminar at 11:30 and teaching seminar at 3:00).

Chapter 26 starts on Wednesday. W = 26.1, 3-6; F = 26.7-9; M = 26.10, W = prepare to eat turkey (and sweet potato pie)!

posted by DCChem @ 10:32 AM