CHEM 212 Organic Chemistry I explores the relationship between the structures of carbon-containing molecules and their physical and chemical properties. Some topics from 1st-year general chemistry are reviewed briefly: alkanes, stereochemistry, alkenes, and nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions of alkyl halides. The correlation between structure and acidity is investigated, and the chemistry of alkynes and alcohols is examined. Structure-determination techniques, including IR and NMR, are explored. The laboratory work for this course provides practical experiences with separation/purification techniques, molecular synthesis, and qualitative analytical methods applied to organic compounds.
Prerequisites: CHEM 125 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Represent three-dimensional molecules in two dimensions
- Determine the hybridization of atoms and explain the formation of molecular orbitals by overlapping atomic hybrid orbitals
- Generate all significant resonance forms using curved-arrow notation and assess which resonance forms are most significant
- Relate the type of reaction to the functional group in the molecule
- Perform conformational analyses of straight-chain and cyclic molecules to determine the preferred conformations
- Collect and analyze infrared spectra to determine functional groups
- Recognize various types of isomerism, including stereoisomers
- Measure optical rotation and use it to determine enantiomeric excess
- Determine relative acidities/basicities from molecular structure
- Draw reaction mechanisms using curved-arrow notation
- Predict reactions of alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, and epoxides
- Design syntheses of target molecules using these reactions
- Follow written laboratory procedures with minimal guidance
- Assemble laboratory apparatuses for reflux and distillation
- Use laboratory equipment such as separatory funnels and chromatography columns
- Use laboratory instruments such as infrared spectrometers, refractometers, and polarimeters
- Demonstrate critical thinking to reach conclusions based on experimental data
- Exhibit professional behaviours such as respect for colleagues, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
Teaching and Learning Approach
The lectures in this course focus on the introduction of concepts and practice in problem-solving strategies.
Students are encouraged to enrich the class by asking questions and offering examples.
The lab provides opportunities to develop hands-on skills and to reinforce the concepts introduced in the lecture.Learning Resources
Required:
Ogilvie, W., Ackroyd, N., Browning, C.S., Deslongchamps, G., Lee, F. and Sauer, E. (2021). Organic Chemistry:
Mechanistic Patterns (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON: Top Hat.
This is an e-text, but hard copies are also available. The 1st edition is also acceptable.
Perrott, A. (2025). Chemistry 212-213 Laboratory Manual, 2025-2026. Castlegar, BC: Selkirk College Bookstore.
Perrott, A. (2025). Chemistry 212-213 Pre-lecture Notes, 2025-2026. Castlegar, BC: Selkirk College Bookstore.
Lab notebook with duplicate pages (available at the Bookstore).
A scientific calculator is needed for problem assignments, lab reports and exams.
A lab coat is required for all laboratory work.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Course Introduction
2. Review: Structures of Molecules
3. Review: Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
4. Infrared Spectroscopy
5. Review and Extension: Stereochemistry
6. Review and Extension: Stereochemistry, Test 1
7. Thanksgiving Day, Using Curved Arrows
8. Acids and Bases
9. Alkenes and Alkynes
10. Alkenes and Alkynes (cont.)
11. Study Break, Test 2
12. SN1 and SN2 Substitution Reactions
13. SN1 and SN2 Substitution Reactions (cont.)
14. Eliminations and Oxidations, Multi-Step Synthesis
15. ReviewAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Assignments (5) | 1-13, 19 | 10% |
| Midterm Tests (2 @17.5% each) | 1-13, 18 | 35% |
| Final Exam | 1-13, 18 | 35% |
| Lab | 14-19 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
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DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.