Revised 08/2022
CHM 245 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (2 CR.)
Course Description
Introduces various methods and procedures used in present day organic laboratories. Covers the general techniques, organic synthesis, and the use of common spectroscopic instrumentation; synthesizing a variety of compounds; and analyzing the products through physical properties and spectroscopy. Part I of II. Lecture 1 contact hour. Lab 3 contact hours. Total 4 contact hours.
General Course Purpose
Explores the physical properties and reactivity of organic compounds including common methods of separation, purification, and instrumental analysis.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
Prerequisite: CHM 112 with a grade of C or better; Corequisite: CHM 241
Course Objectives
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
Safety in the Organic Laboratory
- Use proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals in the organic chemistry laboratory
- Maintain a lab notebook and demonstrate proper recording, organization, and interpretation of scientific data
- Perform physical property analyses, such as melting point and boiling point determinations, density, recrystallization, etc.
- Perform various separation techniques, such as extraction, distillation, chromatography (TLC, column chromatography, GC), sublimation, etc.
- Use and/or interpret spectra from laboratory instruments, such as a gas chromatograph, refractometer, IR, and UV-Vis spectrometer, mass spectrometer, polarimeter.
- Prepare and analyze organic compounds, with potential syntheses that could include SN1, SN2, E2, E1 reactions, green chemistry, alcohol dehydration, electrophilic addition reactions, and/or bromination.
- Explain the theoretical basis of all techniques and state reasons for use of specific reagents.
Major Topics to Be Included
- Safety in the Organic Laboratory
- Lab notebook
- Laboratory techniques
- Synthesis/Characterization
- Theoretical understanding
- Extraction