The course introduces the essential principles of organic chemistry with an emphasis on molecular reactivity and synthetic strategies. It addresses chemical bonding, molecular structure and properties, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, kinetics, thermodynamics, and the structure, synthesis, and reactivity of alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides. Additional topics include nucleophilic substitution and elimination processes, structural analysis using mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as well as aromaticity and electrophilic aromatic substitution.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 235L is required.
Prerequisites
CHM 152 with a grade of “C” or higher
1. Analyze atomic and molecular structures to explain chemical bonding and molecular geometry.
2. Relate electronic structure to molecular stability, chemical reactivity, and the behavior of functional groups.
3. Apply concepts of resonance, inductive effects, and aromaticity to rationalize molecular properties.
4. Distinguish between stereoisomers using various molecular representation systems.
5. Predict the influence of stereochemistry on physical properties and reaction outcomes.
6. Apply mechanistic principles to predict reaction products and intermediates.
7. Evaluate the roles of kinetics, thermodynamics, and reaction conditions in determining reaction mechanisms.
8. Compare major classes of organic reactions, including substitution, elimination, addition, and rearrangement reactions.
9. Describe the structure, properties, and reactivity of principal organic functional groups.
10. Predict the outcomes of reactions involving alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic compounds, carbonyl-containing compounds, and conjugated systems.
11. Analyze multistep synthetic sequences and propose plausible synthetic routes.
12. Interpret IR, NMR, MS, and UV–Vis spectroscopic data to determine molecular structures.
13. Integrate multiple spectroscopic techniques to solve complex structural determination problems.
14. Apply safe laboratory practices and proper techniques for handling organic reagents.
15. Utilize purification and characterization techniques, including distillation, extraction, chromatography, and melting point analysis.