Organic Chemistry I Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Organic Chemistry I

This course (CH 4513) is the first half of a two-semester sequence in organic chemistry, focusing on the foundational principles, structures, and reactivity of organic compounds. Students will cover the first twelve chapters of the textbook, emphasizing functional groups, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopic methods.

• Instructor: Enock Amoateng, Ph.D.

• Contact: [e-mail]

• Office Hours: Tuesdays/Thursdays 2:30-3:30 PM or by appointment

• Location: Hand Lab 1107

Course Description

Scope and Objectives

Organic Chemistry I introduces students to the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, ethers, and organohalides. The course emphasizes the following:

• Understanding the structure and bonding in organic molecules

• Predicting and explaining the properties and reactivity of organic compounds

• Applying principles of stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms

• Utilizing spectroscopic techniques for molecular analysis

• Developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in organic chemistry

Learning Outcomes

Key Competencies

• Describe and predict the properties and reactivity of organic compounds based on their functional groups

• Apply principles of stereochemistry, including chirality and enantiomers

• Identify and describe major organic reaction types: substitution, elimination, addition, and oxidation-reduction

• Analyze and predict the outcome of organic reactions based on conditions, functional groups, and reactivity

• Demonstrate proficiency in drawing and interpreting organic reaction mechanisms

• Utilize spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS) to analyze and determine the structure of organic compounds

• Successfully complete standardized national ACS exam, written exams, and final exam

Course Materials

Required and Recommended Resources

• Textbook: Organic Chemistry by T.W. Graham Solomons, 12th Edition (required)

• CH 4513 Workbook (required)

• Preparing for Your ACS Examination in Organic Chemistry by ACS, 2nd Edition (recommended)

• Genesis Scan (recommended for homework submission)

• Molecular Models (optional, recommended for visualizing structures)

Technology Requirements

• Computer with high-speed internet access

• Modern web browser (Google Chrome or Firefox) and Adobe Acrobat Reader

• Access to a smart mobile device or tablet

• Access to a printer

Grading and Evaluation

Assessment Breakdown

• Exam 1: 20%

• Exam 2: 20%

• Final Exam: 35%

• Workbook Assignments: 5%

• Quizzes: 5%

Grading Scale:

• 100 – 86% (A)

• 85 – 71% (B)

• 70 – 55% (C)

• 54 – 44% (D)

• <43% (F)

Lecture and Exam Schedule

Weekly Topics and Important Dates

Week	Monday	Wednesday	Friday
1	Intro/CH1	CH1/2	CH2
2	CH2	CH2	CH3
3	CH3	CH3	CH4
4	CH4	CH4	CH5
5	CH5	CH5	CH6
6	CH6	CH6	CH7
7	CH7	CH7	CH8
8	CH8	CH8	CH9
9	CH9	CH9	CH10
10	CH10	CH10	CH11
11	CH11	CH11	CH12
12	CH12	CH12	CH12
13	CH12	CH12	CH12
14	CH12	CH12	CH12
15	CH12	Reading Day	Thanksgiving
16	CH12	Finals Week	Finals Week

Exam Dates:

• Exam 1: Thursday, September 18, 6:30-7:55 PM (Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4)

• Exam 2: Thursday, October 23, 6:30-7:55 PM (Ch. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

• Final Exam: Comprehensive, covers all material

Major Topics Covered

Organic Compounds and Functional Groups

Organic chemistry focuses on the study of carbon-containing compounds and their functional groups. Key classes include:

• Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds

• Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with double bonds

• Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with triple bonds

• Alcohols: Compounds containing hydroxyl (-OH) groups

• Ethers: Compounds with an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups

• Organohalides: Organic compounds containing halogen atoms

Example: The general formula for alkanes is $C_nH_{2n+2}$.

Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry examines the spatial arrangement of atoms in molecules and its effect on chemical properties and reactions.

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

• Enantiomers: Stereoisomers that are mirror images of each other

• R/S Nomenclature: System for naming chiral centers

Example: A carbon atom bonded to four different groups is a chiral center.

Reaction Mechanisms

Organic reactions are classified by their mechanisms, including substitution, elimination, addition, and oxidation-reduction.

• Substitution: Replacement of one atom or group by another

• Elimination: Removal of atoms/groups to form double or triple bonds

• Addition: Addition of atoms/groups to double or triple bonds

• Oxidation-Reduction: Changes in oxidation state of atoms

Example: In an SN2 reaction, the rate law is $\text{Rate} = k[\text{Nucleophile}][\text{Electrophile}]$.

Spectroscopy and Analytical Techniques

Spectroscopic methods such as NMR and MS are used to determine the structure and composition of organic compounds.

• NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance): Identifies hydrogen and carbon environments

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

Example: The chemical shift in $^1H$ NMR provides information about the electronic environment of hydrogen atoms.

Course Policies and Additional Information

• Recitation: Weekly meetings for problem-solving and review

• Attendance: Required for lectures and recitations

• Lab: Separate course (CH 4511) with its own grade

• Canvas: Platform for grades and announcements

• Cell Phones: Silence before entering classroom

• Molecular Models: Recommended for visualizing structures

University Syllabus: Students are responsible for reading and understanding university policies as described in the official syllabus.

Assignment and Quiz Schedule

Date	Workbook	Quiz	Notes
Thursday, August 21, 10:00 PM	Nothing Due	Nothing Due
Thursday, August 28, 10:00 PM	CH 1 p.192-201	CH 1
Thursday, September 4, 10:00 PM	CH 2 p.112-116	CH 2
Thursday, September 11, 10:00 PM	CH 3 p.217-246	CH 3	Exam Day
Thursday, September 18, 10:00 PM	CH 4 p.247-268	CH 4
Thursday, September 25, 10:00 PM	CH 5 p.269-288	CH 5
Thursday, October 2, 10:00 PM	CH 6 p.289-308	CH 6
Thursday, October 9, 10:00 PM	Nothing Due	Nothing Due
Thursday, October 16, 10:00 PM	CH 7 p.309-328	CH 7
Thursday, October 23, 10:00 PM	CH 8 p.329-348	CH 8	Exam Day
Thursday, October 30, 10:00 PM	CH 9 p.349-368	CH 9
Thursday, November 6, 10:00 PM	CH 10 p.369-388	CH 10
Thursday, November 13, 10:00 PM	CH 11 p.389-408	CH 11
Thursday, November 20, 10:00 PM	CH 12 p.409-428	CH 12
Thursday, November 27, 10:00 PM	Nothing Due	Nothing Due
Thursday, December 4, 10:00 PM	CH 12 p.557-601	CH 12

Methods of Evaluation

• Exams are in-person, scheduled as per the syllabus

• Quizzes are administered weekly online

• Homework assignments are submitted electronically

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the Organic Chemistry I course, including topics, schedule, grading, and policies. Students are expected to use the textbook and workbook for assignments and exam preparation.