Course Overview

Introduction to Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 222)

Organic Chemistry II is the second part of a two-semester sequence focusing on the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds. This course emphasizes advanced functional groups, reaction mechanisms, and the use of spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation. Students will develop skills in multi-step synthesis, mechanism writing, and the interpretation of spectroscopic data.

• Instructor: Dr. Catherine Malele

• Lecture Times: Tuesday & Thursday, 11:20 AM - 12:50 PM

• Textbook: Leroy G. Wade and Jan William Simek, Organic Chemistry, 9th Edition, Pearson

• Laboratory Manual: Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Experiments for Chemistry 222

Course Topics and Schedule

Major Chapters Covered

The following chapters will be covered, each focusing on a key area of organic chemistry:

• Chapter 10: Structure and Synthesis of Alcohols

• Chapter 11: Reactions of Alcohols

• Chapter 12: Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry

• Chapter 13: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

• Chapter 14: Ethers, Epoxides, and Thioethers

• Chapter 15: Conjugated Systems, Orbital Symmetry, and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy

• Chapter 16: Aromatic Compounds

• Chapter 17: Reactions of Aromatic Compounds

• Chapter 18: Ketones and Aldehydes

• Chapter 19: Amines

• Chapter 20: Carboxylic Acids

• Chapter 21: Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

• Chapter 22: Condensations and Alpha Substitutions of Carbonyl Compounds

Lecture and Examination Schedule

The course follows a structured schedule, with each chapter typically covered over one or more lectures, followed by quizzes and exams. The schedule includes four major exams, regular quizzes, and a cumulative final exam.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

• Interpretation of Spectroscopic Data: Use IR, UV-VIS, MS, and NMR to determine the structure of organic compounds.

• Reaction Mechanisms: Write detailed mechanisms for key reactions, including electrophilic aromatic substitution and nucleophilic addition to carbonyls.

• Functional Group Chemistry: Understand the properties, reactivity, and synthesis of alcohols, amines, ethers, thioethers, carbonyl compounds, and aromatic compounds.

• Nomenclature: Apply IUPAC rules to name compounds with multiple functional groups.

• Multi-Step Synthesis: Design and analyze synthetic routes for complex organic molecules.

Grading and Evaluation

Point Distribution

Letter Grade Scale

Key Study Strategies for Success

• Active Reading: Read textbook chapters before and after lectures to reinforce understanding.

• Practice Problems: Regularly solve problems from the textbook and use the solutions manual for feedback.

• Flashcards: Use for memorizing vocabulary, reactions, and structures.

• Model Kits: Employ molecular model kits to visualize three-dimensional structures.

• Group Study: Collaborate with peers to discuss concepts and solve problems.

• Seek Help: Utilize office hours, tutoring centers, and online resources when needed.

• Consistent Review: Organic chemistry is cumulative; regularly review previous material.

Course Policies and Resources

• Attendance: Regular attendance and participation are essential for success.

• Exams and Quizzes: No make-up exams; excused absences require documentation.

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

• Disability Services: Students requiring accommodations should contact the Center on Disability promptly.

• Support Services: Academic and personal support is available through CCP Cares and the Student Success Navigator.

Summary Table: Major Topics and Associated Chapters

Additional Academic Context

• Mechanisms: Students will be expected to write and understand mechanisms for key organic reactions, such as nucleophilic addition to carbonyls and electrophilic aromatic substitution.

• Spectroscopy: Mastery of IR, NMR, MS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy is essential for structure determination.

• Functional Groups: The course builds on knowledge of functional groups, emphasizing their reactivity and transformations.

• Integration: Organic Chemistry II is cumulative; prior knowledge from Organic Chemistry I is assumed and necessary for success.

Example: Spectroscopy in Structure Elucidation

• Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Used to identify functional groups based on characteristic absorption bands.

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Provides information about the number and environment of hydrogen and carbon atoms in a molecule.

• Mass Spectrometry (MS): Determines molecular weight and fragmentation patterns.

• Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy: Useful for studying conjugated systems and electronic transitions.

Example: A compound with a strong IR absorption near 1700 cm-1 and a singlet at 9-10 ppm in the 1H NMR spectrum is likely an aldehyde.

Conclusion

Success in Organic Chemistry II requires consistent effort, active engagement with the material, and the use of all available resources. Mastery of the topics outlined in this syllabus will provide a strong foundation for advanced study in chemistry, biology, and related fields.

Additional info: This guide is based on the official syllabus and schedule for CHEM 222 at the Community College of Philadelphia. For detailed mechanisms, reaction examples, and practice problems, refer to the assigned textbook and laboratory manual.