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Organic Chemistry II Syllabus and Study Guide

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Course Overview: Organic Chemistry II (CHM 251)

Introduction

This course covers advanced topics in organic chemistry, including the structure, synthesis, and reactions of organic compounds, spectroscopic analysis, and laboratory techniques. It is designed for students who have completed introductory chemistry courses and are pursuing further studies in chemistry or related fields.

Course Structure

Meeting Times & Instructor Information

  • Lectures: Monday/Wednesday, 1:00–2:20 pm

  • Labs: Thursday, 1:00–3:50 pm

  • Instructor: Susan Hensley, Ph.D.

Pre-Requisites & Co-Requisites

  • Pre-Requisite: CHM 250, CHM 251L, MTH 111 (grade ≥ 2.0)

  • Co-Requisite: CHM 251L

Required Materials

  • Textbook: "Organic Chemistry" by Wade, L. G., 9th edition

  • Online resources: Mastering Chemistry, Canvas

  • Lab goggles and combination lock

Grading Policy

Grading Breakdown

Category

Percent

Exams

30%

Lab

20%

Homework

20%

Quizzes/Class Activities

15%

Final Exam

15%

Grades are assigned according to the following scale:

Percent (%)

Grade

93–100

4.0

90–92

3.7

87–89

3.3

83–86

3.0

80–82

2.7

77–79

2.3

73–76

2.0

70–72

1.7

67–69

1.3

63–66

1.0

60–62

0.7

<60

0.0

Course Topics

Major Lecture Topics

  • Structure and Synthesis of Alcohols

  • Reactions of Alcohols

  • Infrared and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

  • Structure and Synthesis of Ethers, Epoxides, Sulfides

  • Structure and Synthesis of Amines

  • Reactions of Amines

  • Structure and Synthesis of Aromatic Compounds

  • Reactions of Aromatic Compounds

  • Structure and Synthesis of Aldehydes and Ketones

  • Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones

  • Structure and Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives

  • Reactions of Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives

  • Structure and Synthesis of Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins

  • Structure and Synthesis of Carbohydrates

  • Structure and Synthesis of Lipids

Laboratory Topics

  • Lab safety and organization

  • Synthesis and purification of organic compounds

  • Spectroscopic analysis (IR, NMR, UV-Vis)

  • Reactions and mechanisms in organic chemistry

  • Preparation and analysis of dyes, drugs, and natural products

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

  • Articulate a broad set of chemical knowledge concerning the fundamentals of organic chemistry

  • Explain chemical reactivity and its effect on stability and molecular structure

Application

  • Interpret patterns of reactivity in the synthesis and transformation of organic compounds

  • Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques and safety procedures

  • Analyze spectroscopic data to determine molecular structure

Integration

  • Correlate the synthesis, isolation, and purification of organic chemicals

  • Evaluate structure-function relationships in organic molecules

Lab Safety Rules

  • Know the location of all safety devices in the lab

  • Wear approved eye protection at all times

  • Dress appropriately: long pants, closed-toe shoes, secure long hair

  • No eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the laboratory

  • Report all accidents and injuries immediately

  • Dispose of chemicals properly as instructed

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Week

Lecture Topic

Lab Topic

Jan 12

Body Systems, Structure and Synthesis of Alcohols

Lab Safety, Organic Lab Network

Jan 19

Reactions of Alcohols

Synthesizing Aspirin

Feb 2

Infrared Spectroscopy, NMR

IR and NMR Spectroscopy

Feb 16

Structure and Synthesis of Amines

Synthesis of Benzocaine

Mar 2

Structure and Synthesis of Aromatic Compounds

Dyes and Drug Synthesis

Apr 9

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution

Final Lab Activities

Apr 29

Final Exam

Lab Checkout

Attendance and Conduct Policies

  • Attendance is mandatory for all lectures and labs

  • Lab reports must be submitted on time; late reports incur grade penalties

  • Academic honesty is strictly enforced; plagiarism and cheating result in disciplinary action

  • Cell phone use is not permitted during class or lab

Support Services

  • Academic assistance and tutoring available

  • Accommodations for students with disabilities

  • Title IX and student rights information provided

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of Organic Chemistry II, including topics relevant to chapters on organic compounds, lab techniques, and spectroscopic analysis. It is suitable for students preparing for advanced chemistry courses and laboratory work.

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