Syllabus for CHEMISTRY 2010 at Volunteer State Community College

        ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

 
DESCRIPTION: A study of the preparations, properties, nomenclature and reactions of aliphatic compounds including alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes, and alcohols. PREREQUISITE: CHEM 1120 with a grade of C or better. Three lecture, three laboratory hours per week.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Organic Chemistry is a transferable college level sequence which is required in many science programs including pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-engineering, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary medicine. Consequently, it is a comprehensive survey of the field of organic chemistry with considerable stress placed on the classes, structures, nomenclature, and reactions of organic compounds.

INSTRUCTOR:     James P. Neilan

                                 office:J – 101K

                                 emailjames.neilan@volstate.edu

                                 phone: 230-3357    

Required Materials:

    Textbooks: Organic Chemistry 1st or 2nd  Edition by Janice Gorzynski Smith (McGraw Hill) with  Molecular Models    (First Edition of Smith can be used in place of the second edition)

    Lab Notebook: A bound notebook with carbonless alternating blue and yellow headings.  Available from the bookstore

 The Organic Chem Lab Survival Manual by James Zubrick

 

  Supplemental Materials:

Scientific Calculator. 
Student Guide and Solution Manual: On reserve in the Library and available from the Bookstore

ACD ChemSketch 8.0 Freeware (can be downloaded from http://www.acdlabs.com/download/chemsk.html )

 

Prohibited items:  Include any electronic or other noise- or light-emitting device that can distract or disturb its owners or others, such as beepers, cell phones, palm pilots, laptop computers, games, and the like.  Cellular telephones are not to be used during class for any purpose, including making or receiving calls, photographs, or text messages, or playing games. Students cannot wear headphones or ear buds in class. The instructor may exclude any student from the class in which a disturbance occurs. The student is responsible for any missed material and class assignments made during his/her absence.

PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL GOALS:  The primary goal of this course is to communicate a basic understanding of the nomenclature, structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds; to gain knowledge and insight into the relationship between organic chemistry and related disciplines; and to learn the appropriate techniques for the preparation, isolation, and physical and chemical characterization of organic compounds.

PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES:  Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated an acceptable level of understanding of the basic nomenclature, structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds; and techniques required in the preparation and isolation of organic compounds. These students will have acquired an adequate background for the pursuit of additional coursework in chemistry and biochemistry.

OTHER GOALS:  This course will advance continued improvement of communication skills; application of the scientific method; and deductive reasoning, particularly in the interpretation of laboratory data as it relates to basic theory and broad underlying principles.

OUTCOME STATEMENTS:  Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have demonstrated an acceptable ability to:

1.       Define organic chemistry.

2.       Define molecular formula and empirical formula

3.       Describe quantitative elemental analysis of carbon, hydrogen, and halogens.

4.       Do calculations involving empirical formulas, molecular weight, and molecular formula determination

5.       Describe covalent and ionic bonds

6.       Draw Lewis Dot structures of molecules and ions

7.       Understand formal charges

8.       Understand the concept of resonance forms

9.       Discuss the roles of resonance and unshared electron pairs as they relate to carbocation stability.

10.   Predict the shape of molecules

11.   Understand the drawing conventions for organic molecules

12.   Recognize isomerism and draw structural isomers from molecular formulas.

13.   Discuss atomic orbitals.

14.   Understand electron configurations.

15.   Discuss sp, sp2, and sp3 hybridization.

16.   Predict bond polarities from electronegativities.

17.   Relate structure to physical properties such as melting point, boiling point, and solubility.

18.   Understand the definition of acids and bases (Lewis vs Bronsted-Lowry)

19.   Understand the factors influencing acid strength

20.   Write the reaction between an acid and base

21.   Describe common functional groups.

22.   Predict the relative strength of intermolecular forces and the effect on physical properties of compounds

23.   Describe the structure of alkanes

24.   Give common names and IUPAC nomenclature for the alkanes

25.   Discuss the significance of free rotation about the carbon-carbon single bond.

26.   Discuss the concepts of conformations and torsional strain.

27.   Understand the terms ‘staggered, eclipsed, and gauche’

28.   Predict the relative stability of alkane conformers

29.   Discuss the structure of cycloalkanes

30.   Describe the chair and boat conformations of cyclohexane

31.   Understand the concept of equatorial and axial positions on cyclohexane rings.

32.   Describe combustion of alkanes

33.   Define stereochemistry and stereoisomerism

34.   Understand constitutional isomerism and stereoisomerism

35.   Understand the concept of chirality.

36.   Understand the structural relationship of enantiomers.

37.   Discuss enantiomers and optical activity.

38.   Be able to determine the stereogenic configuration of chiral centers according to the Cahn, Ingold, Prelog convention.

39.   Define and recognize diastereomers.

40.   Define and recognize meso structures.

41.   Be able to specify configurations in compounds with more than one chiral center.

42.   Describe the reactions of chiral molecules.

43.   Calculate optical purity from polarimetry data.

44.   Understand the concepts of racemic vs enantiomerically enriched mixtures.

45.   Understand the concept of asymmetric synthesis.

46.   Understand the principles of mass spectrometry

47.   Determine structural features from the fragmentation pattern of mass spectra

48.   Understand the principles of infrared (IR) spectroscopy

49.   Determine the functional groups present in a molecule from the infrared spectrum

50.   Understand the concepts of heat of reaction, energy of activation, and reaction diagrams

51.   Discuss the characteristics of addition reactions, elimination reactions and substitution reactions.

52.   Understand homolytic and heterolytic bond breaking

53.   Understand the use of bond dissociation energies in estimating heats of reaction.

54.   Understand the concepts of enthalpy and entropy

55.   Calculate equilibrium constants from free energy changes.

56.   Understand the factors influencing rates of reaction.

57.   Describe the structure of the methyl radical.

58.   Discuss the concepts of transition state and reaction intermediates. 

59.   Describe the characteristics of single step and multi-step reactions.

60.   Describe the classification and nomenclature of alkyl halides.

61.   Describe the physical properties of alkyl halides.

62.   Write equations for the preparation of alkyl halides.

63.   Describe nucleophilic aliphatic substitution.

64.   Discuss the properties of nucleophiles and leaving groups.

65.   Understand the trends influencing nucleophilicity of the halides.

66.   Describe first-order and second-order kinetics.

67.   Discuss the SN2 reaction: mechanism and kinetics.

68.   Describe the SN2 reaction: stereochemistry and reactivity.

69.   Discuss the SN1 reaction: mechanism, kinetics, and stereochemistry.

70.   Discuss protic and aprotic solvents.

71.   75.Discuss the effects of solvents on the rates of SN1 and SN2 reactions

72.   Describe the significance of the rate-determining step on reaction mechanisms.

73.   Discuss the Hammond Postulate

74.   Discuss the formation and structure of carbocations.

75.   Explain the relative stabilities of carbocations.

76.   Explain the rearrangement of carbocations.

77.   Describe and illustrate nucleophilic substitution in allylic and vinylic substrates

78.   Write equations for the preparation of alkenes by dehydrohalogenation of alkyl halides.

79.   Discuss the kinetics of dehydrohalogenation.

80.   Compare and contrast the E1 mechanism and the E2 mechanism.

81.   Describe experimental evidence for the E1 and E2 mechanisms.

82.   Discuss Zaitsev’s Rule

83.   Understand the orbital consequences of ‘anti-periplanar orientation’ in the transition state of E2 eliminations

84.   Compare the factors that favor elimination versus substitution reactions.

85.   Describe the structure of alcohols and ethers.

86.   Describe the classification of alcohols.

87.   Give common names and IUPAC nomenclature of alcohols.

88.   Discuss physical properties of alcohols.

89.   Describe the preparation of alcohols.

90.   Describe the dehydration of alcohols with acids

91.   Describe the dehydration of alcohols with other dehydrating agents..

92.   Describe alcohols as acids and bases.

93.   Understand the structure and nomenclature of ethers and epoxides.

94.   Describe the physical properties of ethers.

95.   Write equations for the preparation of ethers.

96.   Describe the Williamson synthesis of ethers

97.   Write equations for the reactions of ethers with acids.

98.   Describe the IR of alcohols and ethers.

99.   Describe the reaction of epoxides with nucleophiles under acid and base catalysis.

100.      Discuss the structure of alkenes and the carbon-carbon double bond.

101.      Be able to name alkenes by the IUPAC system.

102.      Be able to give common names for the lower alkenes.

103.      Describe the physical properties of alkenes.

104.      Write equations for addition reactions involving the carbon-carbon double bond.

105.      Relate heat of hydrogenation to alkene stability.

106.      Describe and discuss addition reactions in general.

107.      Discuss the mechanism of rearrangements in electrophilic addition reactions.

108.      Describe the mechanism of addition of halogens to alkenes.

109.      Describe Markovnikov's rule as it relates to the addition of electrophiles to alkenes.

110.      Describe the hydration of alkenes by oxymercuration.

111.      Describe the conversion of alkenes to alcohols by hydroboration.

112.      Describe the formation of 1,2-diols.

113.      Describe the determination of structure by ozonolysis.

114.      Discuss the strucuture of alkynes

115.      Understand the nomenclature of alkynes

116.      Describe the addition of halogens to alkynes.

117.      Describe the reaction of electrophiles with alkynes.

118.      Explain the concepts of oxidation and reduction as it applies to organic molecules

119.      Recognize oxidizing and reducing agents

120.      Understand the hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes

121.      Determine the ‘degrees of unsaturation’ of a compound from its molecular formula.

122.      Discuss the stereochemical consequences of the reduction of alkynes to alkenes.

123.      Understand the terms ‘synvs ‘anti’ addition.

124.      Describe the epoxidation of alkenes with peracids.

125.      Describe syn and anti dihydroxylation of alkenes

126.      Describe the oxidation of alcohols with oxidation agents.

127.      Discuss oxidation of alcohols with PCC

128.      Understand oxidative cleavage of alkenes and alkynes

129.      Determine structures of alkenes and alkynes from ozonolysis data.

130.      Understand the key features of the Sharpless oxidation.

131.      Describe the free-radical halogenation of alkanes

132.      Describe the mechanism of hydrogen abstraction by radicals.

133.      Describe the mechanism of radical addition to alkenes.

134.       Discuss orientation and reactivity as they relate to free-radical substitution in alkenes.

135.       Describe allylic rearrangements.

136.      Relate the stability of the allyl radical to resonance hybrid structures.

137.      Describe the bromination of alkenes by NBS.

138.       Describe the orbitals involved in allyl radical formation.

 

ASSESSMENT:  The achievement of the primary goals of this course will be determined by the ongoing assessment of the stated outcomes. Student perception of the course goals and outcomes will be provided by evaluation of the course and the instructors of the course by means of faculty evaluation questionnaires.

Written and oral communication skills, ability to utilize the scientific method, and think deductively will be assessed by written examinations containing discussion questions and the interpretation of experimental data as it relates to basic theory and fundamental principles.

Mastery of specific outcomes will be determined by lecture examinations, laboratory performance, and laboratory notebooks. Lecture examinations consist of various types of questions which measure the student's memory, comprehension, and application of basic facts, concepts, and principles. Laboratory notebooks and experimental results will be evaluated to assess the student's ability to perform appropriate organic laboratory techniques (microscale and traditional); and to understand principles from laboratory experiments.

GradesThe grades in all chemistry courses are based on the following scale:  

A

90 - 100

Superior

B

80 - 89

Above Average

C

70 - 79

Average

D

60 - 69

Below Average

F

0 - 59

Failing


The student's grade in this chemistry course will be determined according to the following weighting scheme:
 

Exams, Quizzes, and assignments:

50 %

Laboratory reports and Laboratory Final:

30 %

Comprehensive Final examination:

20 %

One requirement of the course is that every student takes the final examination.  Failure to take the final examination will result in a grade of F for the course. In the case where a final examination is missed and the instructor has been notified in advance, it may be possible (at the discretion of the instructor) for the student to receive a grade of I. However, a grade of I must be converted to another letter grade by completing work prior to the end of the seventh week of the succeeding semester, otherwise the I will be automatically converted to a grade of F.  Students will not be allowed to register for chemistry courses on an Audit basis.

 

Attendance: Attendance at all lecture and laboratory meetings is expected. Persistent unexcused absences exceeding 30% of the lecture meetings may result upon approval of the instructor and with approval of the Dean of Instruction in the Administrative Withdrawal of the student from that class. See the College Catalog for the last day to withdraw from the course or the College without penalty, and for a further explanation of the Administrative Withdrawal Policy.

 

Make-up Exams:   There are no makeup exams.  If an exam is missed, the final exam will be weighed to take the place of the missing exam.  Subsequent missed exams will be assigned a zero

 

Make-up Labs:  There are no makeup labs.  However, you will have the opportunity to drop your lowest lab score.  You can use this to drop your lowest grade or to replace a lab you were not able to attend. Any other missed labs will result in a grade of zero (0) for that lab.

 

Deficiencies: A student who has an average of  D or F on work completed and evaluated up to mid-semester will receive a deficiency slip by mail indicating the need for improvement if a course grade of C or better is to be achieved. If a student receives a deficiency slip, he/she should explore with the instructor the wisdom of dropping or continuing in the course.

 

Cheating: Cheating on a test or exam will incur a grade of zero on that test or exam.

 

Recommended Problems: These problems and exercises are not to be handed in for grading, but it is not unusual for questions or problems similar to those assigned to appear on tests or examinations.

 

Other Regulations: A student is bound by all rules and regulations appearing in the Student Handbook.

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STATEMENT:  It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services to receive accommodations and services in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Only those students with appropriate documentation and who are registered with the Office of Disability Services will receive accommodations.  For further information, contact the Office of Disability Services at (615) 230-3472, TDD (615)-230-3488, or visit the office which is located in Room 108 Wood Campus Center.

 

 

Equal Opportunity Statement: Volunteer State Community College is an equal opportunity Affirmative Action Educational Institution.  No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the College because of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap.  The College also complies with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended and with the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974.  The commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of the recruitment, employment and education of individuals at all levels throughout the College.

 

(Updated, 8/08/2008, J. Neilan)