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:

Name compounds from various classes of organic compounds such as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and alcohols
Demonstrate an understanding of 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; determine the relationship between stereochemical isomers. Demonstrate an understanding of stereochemistry to reactions
Write mechanisms for a variety of reaction types, such as radical reactions and polar reactions, for example, SN1, SN2, E1 and E2. Use these mechanisms to predict the outcome of reactions
Draw resonance structures for relatively simple organic compounds and use them to assess stability. (This concept is developed further in CHEM 204 )
Use knowledge of alkene reactions to provide 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
Use the reactions discussed in the course to solve problems requiring a multistep synthesis.

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