What is Physical Organic Chemistry and Why Should I Care?

Physical organic chemistry is the quantitative study of the properties of molecules. From this information, we can get a fundamental understanding of how chemical reactions work, and begin to understand the basis of life and the world around us. Applications for these discoveries can include improved drugs for medicine, the development of new materials for novel technologies, and ways to protect the environment, to name but a few. Above all, physical organic chemistry emphasises understanding, and allows us to develop new chemical products and methods safely.

see also:
Mission Statement of the Organic Reaction Mechanisms Group