Organic Chemistry I Syllabus and Course Structure (CHEM 2261)

Course Overview

Introduction to Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 2261)

This syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and content coverage for a college-level Organic Chemistry I course. The course focuses on foundational organic chemistry concepts, including molecular structure, bonding, functional groups, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopy.

• Instructor: Dr. Tamara Naumann

• Textbook: Janice Smith, Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition (McGraw Hill, 2024)

• Online Platform: ALEKS (required for assignments and quizzes)

• Supplemental Materials: Study Guide & Solutions Manual, recommended online resources

Course Content and Topics

Main Topics and Chapters

The course is organized by chapters, each focusing on a major area of organic chemistry. Below is a structured outline of the topics covered:

• Chapter 1: Structure and Bonding

• Chapter 2: Acids and Bases

• Chapter 3: Introduction to Organic Molecules and Functional Groups

• Chapter 4: Alkanes

• Chapter 5: Stereochemistry

• Chapter 6: Chemical Reactions

• Chapter 7: Alkyl Halides and Nucleophilic Substitution

• Chapter 8: Alcohols, Ethers, and Related Compounds

• Chapter 9: Alkenes and Addition Reactions

• Chapter 10: Alkynes and Synthesis

• Chapter 11: Spectroscopy: Mass Spec, IR, NMR

• Chapter 12: Spectroscopy: NMR (advanced)

• Chapter 13: Oxidation and Reduction

Key Concepts and Definitions

Structure and Bonding

Organic chemistry begins with understanding how atoms bond to form molecules. Key concepts include:

• Covalent Bonding: Atoms share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations.

• Lewis Structures: Diagrams showing the arrangement of electrons in molecules.

• Hybridization: Mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals (e.g., sp3, sp2, sp).

• Formal Charge: Calculation to determine the charge on individual atoms in a molecule.

Example: Methane ($CH_4$) has a tetrahedral geometry due to sp3 hybridization.

Acids and Bases

Acid-base chemistry is fundamental to understanding organic reactions.

• Brønsted-Lowry Acid: Proton donor

• Brønsted-Lowry Base: Proton acceptor

• pKa: Quantitative measure of acid strength

Equation: $K_a = \frac{[A^-][H^+]}{[HA]}$

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine chemical reactivity.

• Alkane: Only single bonds (C–C)

• Alkene: Contains C=C double bond

• Alkyne: Contains C≡C triple bond

• Alcohol: Contains –OH group

• Ether: Contains C–O–C linkage

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry studies the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules.

• Chirality: Molecules that are non-superimposable on their mirror images

• Enantiomers: Pair of chiral molecules that are mirror images

• Diastereomers: Stereoisomers that are not mirror images

Reaction Mechanisms

Organic reactions are explained by mechanisms showing electron movement.

• Nucleophile: Electron-rich species that donates electrons

• Electrophile: Electron-poor species that accepts electrons

• Substitution Reactions: One atom/group replaces another

• Addition Reactions: Atoms/groups are added to a molecule

Equation (Rate Law Example): $\text{Rate} = k[\text{Nucleophile}][\text{Electrophile}]$

Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is used to determine molecular structure.

• Mass Spectrometry (MS): Determines molecular mass

• Infrared Spectroscopy (IR): Identifies functional groups by bond vibrations

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): Provides information about hydrogen/carbon environments

Course Structure and Evaluation

Grading Components

Student performance is evaluated through quizzes, exams, ALEKS assignments, and a final exam.

Component	Points	Percent of Total
Quizzes (lowest dropped)	90 pts each	30%
ALEKS assignments	50 pts each	15%
Final Exam	120 pts	25%

Grading Scale:

Grade	Percent Range
A+	100–96.9%
A	96.8–94.9%
A–	93.9–89.6%
B+	86.9–84.9%
B	83.4–77.5%
B–	77.4–74.5%
C+	74.4–71.9%
C	71.8–65.9%
C–	65.4–60.9%
D+	60.8–59.5%
D	59.4–52.5%
F	below 60%

Course Policies and Expectations

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance is required; participation in lectures and quizzes is expected.

• Absences must be documented according to university policy.

Assignments and Exams

• Quizzes and exams are scheduled throughout the semester; see the calendar for dates.

• ALEKS assignments are due weekly and are essential for mastering course concepts.

• Final exam is cumulative and scheduled for December 11.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration are strictly prohibited.

• Electronic devices are not allowed during exams unless specified.

Support and Resources

• Office hours and online resources are available for additional help.

• Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services for accommodations.

Course Calendar

Weekly Schedule Overview

Week	Tuesday	Thursday
Aug 26	Syllabus and Chp. 1	Chp. 1
Sept 2	Chp. 1 and Chp. 2	Chp. 2 and Chp. 3
Sept 9	Chp. 3 and Chp. 4	Chp. 4
Sept 16	Chp. 4 and Chp. 5	Chp. 5
Sept 23	Chp. 5 and Chp. 6	Chp. 6
Sept 30	Chp. 6 and Chp. 8	Chp. 8
Oct 7	Chp. 7 and Chp. 9	Chp. 9
Oct 14	Quiz 4 due	Chp. 10
Oct 21	Chp. 10	Chp. 10
Oct 28	Chp. 10	Chp. 11
Nov 4	Chp. 11, Spec. A and Spec. B	Chp. 12
Nov 11	Chp. 12, Spec. C	Spec. C
Nov 18	Spec. C	Spec. C
Nov 25	Spec. C	THANKSGIVING BREAK
Dec 2	Chp. 13, Quiz 7 due	Final Review
Dec 11	FINAL EXAM (5:30–7:30 PM, W130 Howe Russell)

Additional Info

• Students are expected to read the assigned textbook material before class and review notes after class.

• Online homework (ALEKS) is required and forms a significant part of the grade.

• Quizzes and exams are based on both lecture and textbook material.