CHEM 203 - Organic Chemistry I

This course focuses on fundamental concepts of organic chemistry with emphasis on aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, and alcohols. This course covers bonding theories, structures, nomenclature, physical properties, synthesis, and mechanisms of reactions. Laboratory work involves the preparation, analysis, and purification of organic compounds including spectroscopic techniques. PREREQUISITE(S): A grade of C or better in CHEM 132 within the last five years, or consent of department chair, course coordinator, or designated member of Chemistry faculty. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion, four hours laboratory each week. Formerly CH 203.

5 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Use IUPAC nomenclature rules (or common/historic names) to name and/or draw compounds containing varying functional groups.
Explain the relationship between physical properties and structure to predict properties such as boiling point and solubility.
Draw Newman Projections and use them to explain the relative stability of various conformations of molecules.
Use molecular structure to predict chemical properties such as acidity, nucleophilicity, and electrophilicity
Determine the stereochemistry of compounds and apply this knowledge to determine the relationship between stereochemical isomers and explain an understanding of stereochemistry to reactions.
Draw detailed arrow pushing mechanisms to demonstrate how a reaction occurs and use them to predict the outcome of a reaction.
Draw resonance structures for relatively simple organic compounds/intermediates and use them to assess stability. (This concept is developed further in CHEM 204 )
Apply knowledge of functional groups to determine correct reagents or products for reactions
Use spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and IR to identify simple molecules. (This concept is developed further in CHEM 204 .)
Execute standard organic laboratory techniques used to synthesize, isolate, purify, and/or identify organic compounds while working in small groups.
Use the reactions discussed in the course to solve problems requiring a multistep synthesis.
Communicate scientific results in written format using appropriate scientific language and demonstrate the ability to locate and cite references properly.

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