CHM 261 - Organic Chemistry I

• Outcome 1: To correctly use chemical concepts and methods to collect data, to organize the data, and draw proper conclusions from the data.
• Outcome 2: To effectively communicate chemical data, questions, and conclusions by both written and verbal methods.
• Outcome 3: To use chemical data and conclusions in an ethically acceptable and responsible manner.

Course Objectives:

• Outcome 1: Identify and review the basic concepts of general chemistry that apply to organic chemistry.  Demonstrating understanding by:
  • Task 1: Determining the number of electrons present and Writing electron configurations for any atom or ion.
  • Task 2: Distinguishing between ionic, single covalent, double covalent and triple covalent bonds.
  • Task 3: Using Lewis symbols to illustrate structures and resonance.
  • Task 4: Using electronegativites and formal charge to evaluate Lewis symbols.
  • Task 5: Using the VSEPR Theory to predict the shapes of molecules, bond angles around the central atom, and the polarity of molecules.
  • Task 6: Drawing, recognizing and interpreting structural formulas: expanded formulas, condensed formulas, line bond formulas, and constitutional isomers.
  • Task 7: Correctly applying Arrhenius and Bronsted definitions of acids and bases.
  • Task 8: Describing the concept of weak and strong acids/bases.  Knowing the factors that affect acid/base strength and how acid/base strength is measured.
• Outcome 2: Develop laboratory techniques and interpret chemical concepts from experimentation demonstrating this by:
  • Task 1: Acting safely and responsibly in the chemical laboratory.
  • Task 2: Using the proper equipment with correct technique to collect data.
  • Task 3: Properly performing various laboratory related calculations using calculators and computers.
  • Task 4: Properly recording observations, data, calculations and conclusions in a laboratory notebook.
  • Task 5: Reporting results and conclusions both verbally and written as required. 
• Outcome 3: Develop an understanding of the basic concepts of organic chemistry and demonstrate this understanding by:
  • Task 1: Knowing the basic classifications of organic compounds.
  • Task 2: Using the valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory to explain and illustrate the bonding found in alkanes.
  • Task 3: Recognizing isomers of alkanes.
  • Task 4: Using the IUPAC nomenclature system to correctly name and draw alkanes and cycloalkanes.
  • Task 5: Using the structural formulas of alkanes and the concepts of intermolecular forces and polarity to explain the physical properties of alkanes (boiling point, melting point, water solubility).
  • Task 6: Recognizing how the heat of combustion can be used as a measure of stability of organic compounds.
  • Task 7: Knowing the basic tenets of conformational analysis and applying them to alkanes and cycloalkanes.
  • Task 8: Using the unit of atomic mass unit (amu) in calculation of masses of atoms.
• Outcome 4: Continue to develop an understanding of the basic concepts of organic chemistry and demonstrate this understanding by:
  • Task 1: Understanding the importance of a functional group and being able to recognize the common functional groups.
  • Task 2: Using the IUPAC nomenclature system to correctly name and draw alcohols and alkyl halides.
  • Task 3: Recognizing and using the classification system of alcohols and alkyl halides.
  • Task 4: Using the structural formulas of alcohols, and alkyl halides along with the concepts of bonding, intermolecular forces and polarity to explain the physical properties of alkanes (boiling point, melting point, water solubility).
  • Task 5: Understanding the purpose of a reaction mechanism specifically the SN1 and SN2. Also understanding the role a carbocation plays in these mechanisms.
  • Task 6: Predicting products of reactions that prepare alkyl halides from alcohols with hydrogen halides, thionyl chloride, phosphorous tribromide.
  • Task 7: Being familiar the halogenation of alkanes reaction and the free radical mechanism using these ideas to predict products of reactions.
• Outcome 5: Continue to develop an understanding of the basic concepts of organic chemistry and demonstrate this understanding by:
  • Task 1: Using the IUPAC nomenclature system to correctly name and draw alkenes.
  • Task 2: Using the structural formulas of alkenes along with the concepts of bonding, intermolecular forces and polarity to explain the physical properties of alkenes (boiling point, melting point, water solubility).
  • Task 3: Being familiar the elimination reactions to prepare alkenes and the E1 and E2 mechanisms using these ideas to predict products of reactions.
  • Task 4: Being familiar the addition reactions of alkenes using these reactions to predict products of reactions.
  • Task 5: Using principles of organic synthesis to plan the synthesis of organic compound using the reactions studied.
• Outcome 6: Continue to develop an understanding of the basic concepts of organic chemistry and demonstrate this understanding by:
  • Task 1: Recognizing chirality in organic molecules.
  • Task 2: Classifying stereoisomers as enantiomers, diastereoisomers, and meso compounds.
  • Task 3: Being able to assign configuration to stereoisomers (R/S), (+/-).
  • Task 4: Being familiar optical activity and the role it plays in stereoisomerism.
  • Task 5: Being familiar with basic reactions that produce stereoisomers.