This course provides a basic understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics associated with reactions, how these are related to the structures of reactants and products and the pathways between them, and how reactivity can be controlled through choices of reacting molecules and conditions. Starting with the underlying principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, the course applies these principles to the various types of reaction mechanisms observed in carbon containing organic compounds and transition metal complexes.

In the laboratory component of the course, students learn how to measure rates of reaction and thermodynamic quantities. They learn how to draw conclusions about reaction extent and chemical equilibria based on laboratory observations. Finally, they apply the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to control the rate, extent and yield of some basic organic and inorganic chemical reactions with the goal of making desired chemical transformations.