Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory – Syllabus and Course Structure (CHM 252)

Course Overview

Introduction to Organic Chemistry II

This course is a continuation of Organic Chemistry I, focusing on advanced topics in organic chemistry including aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids and derivatives, amines, carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipids, and synthetic polymers. The course integrates both lecture and laboratory components to provide a comprehensive understanding of organic reactions, mechanisms, and analytical techniques.

• Course Code: CHM 252

• Credits: 4.0

• Semester: Spring 2026

• Instructor: Prof. G. William Griffis

Course Topics and Coverage

Major Topics

The following topics are covered, corresponding to chapters in a standard organic chemistry textbook:

• Alkyl Halides, Electronic Delocalization, UV-visible Spectroscopy, Aromatic Reactivity

• Organic Compounds and Carboxylic Acids and Acid Derivatives

• Carbonyl Reactivity: Addition and Condensation Reactions

• Amines, Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Synthetic Polymers

Refer to the following chapters for detailed study:

• Ch. 10: Structure and Synthesis of Alcohols

• Ch. 11: Reactions of Alcohols

• Ch. 12: Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry

• Ch. 13: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

• Ch. 14: Ethers, Epoxides, and Thioethers

• Ch. 15: Conjugated Systems, Orbital Symmetry, and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy

• Ch. 16: Aromatic Compounds

• Ch. 17: Reactions of Aromatic Compounds

• Ch. 18: Ketones and Aldehydes

• Ch. 19: Amines

• Ch. 20: Carboxylic Acids

• Ch. 21: Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

• Ch. 22: Condensations and Alpha Substitutions of Carbonyl Compounds

• Ch. 23: Carbohydrates and Nucleic Acids

• Ch. 24: Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins

• Ch. 25: Lipids

• Ch. 26: Synthetic Polymers

Laboratory Component

Laboratory Schedule and Experiments

The laboratory portion emphasizes hands-on experience with organic reactions, qualitative analysis, and synthesis. Key experiments include:

• Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution I & II

• Grignard Reaction

• Nucleophilic Carbonyl Addition (DNP)

• Esterification

• Organic Qualitative Analysis

• Aldol Condensation Reactions

Students are expected to maintain laboratory notebooks and submit reports for each experiment.

Course Requirements and Student Commitment

Expectations

• Attendance at all lectures and laboratory sessions is mandatory.

• Active participation in discussions and laboratory work.

• Completion of assignments, laboratory reports, and synthesis project.

• Preparation for exams and quizzes as scheduled.

Recommended Study Strategy: Students should allocate at least 10-15 hours per week for reading, problem-solving, and laboratory preparation.

Grading and Evaluation

Assessment Breakdown

Activity	Percent Contribution	Comments
Exams	50%	Highest of your hour exam average or the final
Laboratories	30%	Lowest score dropped (out of 100 points)
In-class problems	10%	No score dropped (1 point each)
Synthesis Project	10%	Assignment due at the end of the semester (10.0 points)

Note: No assignments will be accepted after the posted deadline. There are no exceptions.

Instructional Objectives

Learning Outcomes

• Understand and apply advanced organic reaction mechanisms and synthesis strategies.

• Analyze and interpret spectroscopic data (IR, NMR, UV-vis, Mass Spectrometry).

• Classify and predict the reactivity of aromatic, carbonyl, and other functional groups.

• Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques and safety protocols.

• Communicate scientific findings effectively through written reports and presentations.

Required and Suggested Materials

Textbooks and Resources

• Textbook: Organic Chemistry (McMurry, 9th Edition or equivalent)

• Lab Manual: Hayden-McNeil or equivalent

• Online Resources: OPENSTAX, Moodle course site

Course Policies

Attendance, Ethics, and Accessibility

• Attendance is required for all lectures and labs.

• Electronic devices must be silenced during class.

• Academic honesty is strictly enforced.

• Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

Additional info:

• Specific chapter sections omitted or emphasized are listed in the syllabus for targeted study.

• Laboratory schedule includes both qualitative and synthetic experiments relevant to advanced organic chemistry.