[spirochete]

I am an undergraduate.  If I can get into grad school for organic chemistry without taking an analytical chem lab (I would just take the lecture because I'd definitely need that for grad school to pass entrance exams), would this harm my future career? 

Are the techniques you learn in an undergraduate analytical chem lab ever commonly used in any of the sub disciplines of organic?  My experience says "no" but I am looking for a wider perspective.

[kiwi]

Depends what is in your analytical course; some techniques are usual in specialised circumstances (ICP-MS being about the only one I can think of); but chromatographic techniques (GC/ HPLC etc) and spectroscopic/spectrometric techniques (NMR, FTIR, MS) are of critical use. But the careful 'sample-limited' techniques you will learn in analytical labs are useful for when you are doing synthesis on a couple mgs of an advanced intermediate, and it never hurts to have a bit of broad knowledge.

[Borek]

Note that philosophy of the lab work in organic chemistry and analytical chemistry is very different. In organic chemistry 9, 10 or 11 mL of reagent is in most cases OK, in analytical chemistry difference between 10.00 and 10.10 means 1% error. Difference is large enough that it is worth to have some lab experience from both.

[expert]

Every good organic chemist is a good analytical chemist, absolutely. Running organic reactions meaningless without good "eyes" of analytical chemistry. Another aspect of good analytical chemistry, it teaches students good laboratory practice techniques. How quantitatively extract and transfer compounds. It teaches how to calculate reactions. All these experiences are invaluable for good organic chemist. Obviously, I mean "good" organic chemist.

[gfunk]

I second expert's post.  They say that most of the effort an organic chemist expends goes not towards the actual reaction, but towards the analysis of the product.

What kind of analytical chemistry are you talking about?  "Classical methods" might be a pre-requisite for "Instrumental methods".  These courses are quite fundamental to a chemistry degree.  If you're working with chemistry, you'll be working with instruments.  Classical methods, though outdated teaches you a lot, and can even help with simple and cheap analyses.  Instrumental methods is absolutely essential for any chemist.  Whether purification or analysis, you'll need it.

To tell you the truth, I absolutely abhor analytical chemistry.  But I've embraced it out of necessity.  And in the end, it will make you a better chemist.

[P]

OK then I'll third his post. Analytical Chem is a must for organic. Kiwi listed some very useful techniques - in addition there are also SEC/GPC, various microscopic techniques - SEM, TEM, ATM etc, ..  elemental analysis and so on.  I used to fnd analytical chemistry really interesting - finding out how this techniques work etc..