CHEM 2123: Organic Chemistry I
Students review the basic principles of chemical bonding as they apply to organic molecules and are introduced to the concepts of functional groups, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms. The systematic chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers are discussed, in addition to the theory and use of spectroscopy in identifying organic compounds. Students are expected to apply their knowledge to problem-solve, deduce structures, and synthesize simple organic molecules using the studied reactions. The relationships between organic chemistry and other disciplines are noted.
Students who intend to complete a full year of university or college organic chemistry are required to register for CHEM 2123 and 2223 and the two laboratory courses.
CHEM 2125, the laboratory component of CHEM 2123, is usually offered once per year in the summertime in Kamloops BC.
Learning outcomes
- Describe bonding in organic molecules and its effect on reactivity.
- Give correct IUPAC names for compounds having the functional groups studied.
- Describe and explain conformational analysis in alkanes and cycloalkanes.
- Identify chiral molecules and use the (R)-(S) nomenclature correctly.
- Discuss SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 mechanisms and predict when each might occur.
- Give the experimental evidence for these different mechanisms.
- Explain the mechanism of free radical chlorination.
- Predict products from reactions of alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, and ethers.
- Explain the physical properties of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, and ethers.
- Predict products of Grignard reactions.
- Deduce molecular structures of simple unknown compounds from their spectra.
- Solve simple synthesis problems of compounds with the functional groups studied.
- Solve simple "railroad" problems involving the functional groups studied.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Chemical Bonds and Carbon Compounds
- Unit 2: Stereochemistry
- Unit 3: Mechanisms of Organic Reactions
- Unit 4: Alkenes and Alkynes
- Unit 5: Alcohols and Ethers
- Unit 6: Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course:
- Vollhardt, P., & Schore, N. (2022). Organic chemistry: Structure and function + Study
Guide + Solutions Manual (8th ed.). Macmillan Learning.
Type: Bundle. ISBN: 9781319543037
- The Prentice Hall Molecular Model Set for Organic Chemistry. Prentice Hall. England:
Prentice- Hall, Inc. (1991).
Type: Model Set
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
* The final exam for this course is only available as a paper exam and must be taken in person at an approved Testing Centre. Please email exams@tru.ca with any questions.
| Assignment 1 | 8% |
| Assignment 2 | 8% |
| Assignment 3 | 8% |
| Assignment 4 | 8% |
| Assignment 5 | 9% |
| Assignment 6 | 9% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
