Organic Chemistry II (CHM 304) Syllabus and Course Structure – Medgar Evers College

Course Overview

Introduction to Organic Chemistry II

Organic Chemistry II (CHM 304) is a continuation of Organic Chemistry I, focusing on advanced concepts in organic chemistry. The course covers the structure, preparation, and reactivity of organic compounds, emphasizing reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and synthesis. Students will also learn modern spectroscopic techniques for identifying organic compounds.

• Course Title: Organic Chemistry II (Lecture)

• Course Number: CHM 304-040 - 34371

• Term: Fall 2025

• Instructor: Dr. Richard Denton

• Credits: 3 Credit Hours

• Prerequisite: CHM 303 (Organic Chemistry I)

• Co-requisite: CHML 304 (Lab)

Course Format: 100% in-person instruction, Thursdays 5:30 pm – 8:10 pm.

Course Content and Learning Objectives

Topics Covered

The course is structured around key chapters in organic chemistry, each focusing on a specific class of compounds or reaction type. The following topics are covered:

• Ch. 12: Arenes and Aromaticity

• Ch. 13: Electrophilic and Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution

• Ch. 14: Spectroscopy (including NMR and Mass Spectrometry)

• Ch. 15: Organometallic Compounds

• Ch. 16: Alcohols, Diols, Thiols

• Ch. 17: Ethers, Epoxides, and Sulfides

• Ch. 18: Aldehydes and Ketones

• Ch. 19: Carboxylic Acids

• Ch. 20: Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

• Ch. 21: Enols and Enolate Chemistry

• Ch. 23: Phenols

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify aromatic compounds and their properties.

• Distinguish between electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution mechanisms.

• Interpret spectroscopic data to determine molecular structure.

• Propose mechanisms for reactions involving aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, derivatives, ethers, amines, and phenols.

Course Structure and Assessment

Examinations and Grading

Assessment in Organic Chemistry II is based on three midterm exams, a cumulative final exam, end-of-chapter assessments, and participation in discussions. Exams are proctored in person, and no make-up exams are allowed.

• Exam 1: Ch. 12-15

• Exam 2: Ch. 15-18

• Exam 3: Ch. 19-21

• Final Exam: Cumulative, covering Ch. 12-23

Grading Breakdown:

Assessment	Points
Exams (3 x 10 pts)	30
Final Exam	40
End of Chapter Assessment (10 x 2 pts)	20
Discussion and Participation (2.5 x 4 pts)	10
Total	100

Grade Scheme:

Letter Grade	Score Range (%)
A+	97-100
A	93-96.9
A-	90-92.9
B+	87-89.9
B	84-86.9
B-	80-83.9
C+	77-79.9
C	70-76.9
D+	68-69.9
D	63-67.9
D-	60-62.9
F	0-59.9

Course Policies and Resources

Participation and Professionalism

Students are expected to participate fully in all course activities, adhere to academic integrity policies, and maintain professionalism in the classroom. Late work is not accepted, and technical difficulties should be resolved with the IT department.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and dishonest acts are strictly prohibited.

• Disability Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are provided for documented disabilities.

• Diversity Statement: The course fosters an inclusive environment, respecting all individuals.

Student Support Services

Medgar Evers College offers a range of support services, including counseling, academic tutoring, computing labs, library resources, and child development programs. Students are encouraged to utilize these resources for academic and personal success.

• Counseling Services: Support for mental health and personal challenges.

• Academic Tutoring: ACESS provides tutoring across disciplines.

• Computing Labs: Available in multiple campus locations.

• Library: Access to computers, printers, and reference help.

• Child Development Center: Pre-school and afterschool programs for student parents.

Course Schedule

Weekly Topics and Exam Dates

Week	Date	Topic	Discussion Due
1	08/28	Ch. 12 Arenes and Aromaticity	Disc 1: Intro. 09/05
2	09/04	Ch. 13 Electrophilic + Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution
3	09/11	Ch. 13 continues; Ch. 14 Spectroscopy
4	09/18	Ch. 14 Spectroscopy	Discus 2: Proton NMR; 09/26
5	10/09	Ch. 15 Organometallic Compounds
6	09/25	Exam 1 Review; Exam 1: Ch. 12-15
7	10/16	Ch. 16 Alcohols, Diols, Thiols, Sulfides	Discus 3: C13 NMR Question: 10/17
8	10/23	Ch. 17 Ethers, Epoxides
9	10/30	Ch. 18 Aldehydes and Ketones
10	11/06	Exam 2 Review; Exam 2: Ch. 15-18
11	11/13	Ch. 19 Carboxylic Acids
12	11/20	Ch. 20 Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
13	12/04	Ch. 21 Enols and Enolate	Discus. 4: Mass Spec 12/05
14	12/11	Exam 3 (19-21); Ch. 23 Phenols
15	12/18	Final Exam

Final Exam Date: December 18, 2025

Required Texts and Materials

• Textbook: Organic Chemistry 11th Edition, by Francis A. Carey and Robert M. Giuliano (ISBN: 9781260506754)

• Aktiv Chemistry Software: Activation code: VEQ9DF (for homework)

• Open Resource Material: Available via BrightSpace

Additional Course Policies

• Late Work: Not accepted; no make-up labs.

• Extra Credit: Available through group work.

• Grades of Incomplete (INC): Temporary grade for unfinished assignments; must be completed by the end of the subsequent semester.

• Grades of WN: Assigned to students who have never attended or participated in the course.

• Assignment Revision: Policy details provided by instructor.

• Technology Use: Laptops/smartphones allowed for quizzes; refrain from searching for answers online.

Support and Resources

• Disability Services: Contact Mr. Anthony Phifer for accommodations.

• Religious Accommodations: Available upon request.

• Student Support: Counseling, academic tutoring, computing labs, library, and child development center.

Important Dates: Refer to the academic calendar for add/drop deadlines, withdrawal deadlines, and holidays.

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of Organic Chemistry II, including course structure, assessment, and support resources. It aligns with the advanced topics listed in the organic chemistry curriculum, such as aromaticity, spectroscopy, organometallics, alcohols, ethers, carbonyl chemistry, and phenols.