careers in organic chemistry dr. laurie starkey chemistry department cal poly pomona...

Careers in Organic Chemistry

Dr. Laurie StarkeyChemistry DepartmentCal Poly Pomona

lsstarkey@csupomona.edu

The Periodic TableOrganic Chemistry!

What Can I Do with a Chemistry Degree?

B.S. Chemistry

MedicalSchool

Job inIndustry

VetSchool

PharmacySchool

Graduate School(M.S. or Ph.D.)

LawSchool

Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits

Synthetic carpeting

ShelterPaint and coatings

Plastics

Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits

Rubber tires

Transportation

Antifreeze

Superior lubricants

Plastic components

High-performance and clean-burning gasolines

Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits

CD’s and DVD’s

Recreation

High-strength, advanced materialstennis rackets, skis, golf clubs, golf balls, rollerblades, bicycles

Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits

Dyes

Apparel

Synthetic fibers

Cleaning aids

Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits

Soaps & Detergents

Health and Beauty

Pharmaceuticals

Vitamins

Cosmetics and fragrances

Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits

Fertilizers

Food

Preservatives

Packaging

Plant protection

Refrigeration media

Organic Chemistry's Biggest Hits

Waste minimization

Waste

Recycling

Water treatment chemicals

Sewage treatment

Understanding Line Drawings

Butane(lighter f luid)

CH3CH2CH2CH3

Octane(gasoline component)

CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3

CHOH

Isopropyl Alcohol(rubbing alcohol)

CH3

CH3 OH

Cyclohexane

H2C

H2C

H2CCH2

CH2

CH2

Benzene

HC

HC

HCCH

CH

CHdouble bond(a pi bond)

Acetic acid(vinegar)

OH

O

CH3

COH

O

Variety of Organic Compounds

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

O

OHHO

CH2OH

HO

H

Carvone(spearmintor caraway!)

H3C

O

CH3

CH2

tetrahedralcarbon

Ibuprofen(Advil)

H3C

O

OH

Valium (tranquilizer)

Cl N

N

Ph

OH3C

CH2

CH2

O

CH O

O

O

O

O

Fat/Lipid/TriglycerideSucrose (table sugar)

H

OH H

H OHOH O

OH

H

H

OHH

OHH

OOH

OHOH

Housef ly sex pheromone

Orange II (dye)

S N N

HOO

O

NaO

Flavors & Fragrances

Limonene(lemons)

Menthol(mint)

OH

OH

Eugenol(cloves)

OCH3

O

1,8-Cineole(eucalyptus)

OCH3

Anethole(licorice)

Terpenes

Esters

O

O

OCH3

O

O

O

O

O

pear apple

pineapple banana

OH

wintergreen

OCH3

O

O

O

peach

Color Chemistry

-Carotene(orange plants - carrots)

Lycopene(red plants - tomatoes)

Chlorophyll(green plants)

O

O

N

N

N

N

O

CH3O

O

MgCH3O

N

HO3S

CH3

N

HO SO3H

Red #40(artif icial color)

Organic Polymers

PolyethyleneGlad Wrap

Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC)Vinyl car seatsZiploc bags

PolystyreneStyrofoamPlastic cups

PolyurethaneMattressesNike shoe soles

PolymethylMethacrylatePlexiglasHard contact lensesEyeglasses

KevlarMotorcycle helmetsBulletproof vestsTires

Fibers & FabricsNylonDacron Rayon Polyesters

AdhesivesScotch TapePost-It Notes

various groups

attached to long

chains of carbon atoms

R R R R R R R R

Taxol: Application of Organic Synthesis

Taxolisolated f rom bark ofPacif ic Yew tree*treats ovarian cancer*3-10 trees per patient

CH3

CH3

O OH

CH3

AcO

OAcO

OBzHO

CH3

O

Ph

NH

O

Ph

HO

O

H

Baccatin IIIf rom renewableneedles of European Yew shrub*trees are not killed*not anti-cancer

modif ication of structureby Organic Synthesis

CH3

CH3

O OH

CH3

HO

OAcO

OBzHO

CH3

HO H

Synthesis of Taxol

Career Choices vs. Academic Degree

Director (Ph.D.)

Group Leader (Ph.D.)

Lab Manager (Ph.D.)

B.S. M.S. B.S. B.S.

Group Leader (Ph.D.)

Lab Manager (Ph.D.)

M.S. B.S. B.S.

etc.

M.S. B.S. Ph.D.

B.S. = Bachelor'sM.S. = Master'sPh.D.= Doctorate

Industrial Setting

UndergraduateDegree

Graduate Degrees

Academic Setting

K-12 teach

B.S. + M.S.(+ credential)

UniversityLecturer

M.S. or Ph.D.

UniversityTenure-Track

Ph.D.

About me…SchoolGraduated High School 1987Univ. of Connecticut (B.S. - Chemistry) 1991UCLA (Ph.D. - Organic Chemistry) 1996

Chemistry-Related Work (while in school)Chesebrough-Pond’s (Summer Internship) 1989Bristol-Myers Squibb (Summer Internship) 1990Bristol-Myers Squibb (Summer Internship) 1991UCLA Teaching Assistant (TA) 1991-2UCLA Research Assistant (RA) 1992-6

Note: you get paid to get your Ph.D. degree!!

Work after Ph.D.Cal Poly Pomona (Assistant Professor) 1996CPP Tenure + Associate Professor 2001 Kids born: 2002 and 2004CPP Full Professor 2007

All this will build a strong resume and help you get into the job or graduate school of your choice.

In College:• Good grades (and GRE)• Take/audit advanced classes• Get to know your professors• Undergraduate research*• Summer internships/REU *• Volunteer work (service)• Join clubs

In High School:• Good grades (and SAT)• AP, honors courses• Get to know your teachers• Summer & part-time jobs• Volunteer work (service)• Extra-curricular activities

Preparation to be a ChemistSkills Needed:

• Self-motivated, time management• Good math skills• Good with your hands