Master the Molecules: Embark on Your Chemical Journey
Organic Chemistry 101
Master the Molecules: Embark on Your Chemical Journey
Unlock the secrets of molecules that form the very essence of life with Organic Chemistry 101, a transformative journey into the heart of carbon-based compounds. Imagine confidently navigating the intricate world of organic chemistry, armed with knowledge that will elevate both your career and intellectual pursuits. This course isn't just an academic exercise; it's a vital, dynamic experience designed to ignite your curiosity and empower your future. With clear insights and a fresh perspective, you'll unravel complex concepts and see their real-world significance. This is your gateway to understanding the universe at a molecular level, a golden opportunity to be at the forefront of scientific innovation. Don't just learn organic chemistry--master it and stand out in any crowd. Join us today!
Lesson 1. Chemical Bonding Basics: A Dive into Organic Chemistry
Key bonding types like ionic and covalent are dissected to illustrate how atoms form stable compounds, focusing on electron donation or sharing. The lesson uses examples and Lewis structures to depict these processes in molecules such as NaCl and N?.
Lesson 1-
Lesson 1 Bonding and Molecular Structure I: Chemical Bonding+
In this lesson, we begin our study of organic chemistry by introducing some fundamental concepts of chemical bonding between atoms
Lesson 1 Assignment +
Lesson 1 Assignment
Lesson 2. The Art of Drawing Organic Molecules
The representation of organic molecules can be streamlined by omitting certain atoms in diagrams and focusing on key structural components, which aids in distinguishing isomers. Concepts such as electron delocalization and the VSEPR model are essential for understanding molecule shape and behavior.
Lesson 2-
Lesson 2 Bonding and Molecular Structure II: The Structure and Representation of Organic Molecules+
Having studied the basics of molecular bonding, we now turn to how to represent molecules (including simple drawings) and how to understand and predict their structure in three dimensions.
Lesson 2 Assignment+
Lesson 2 Assignment
Lesson 3. The Fundamentals of Acids and Bases: A Comprehensive Exploration
Acids and bases can be defined through Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis models, each offering different criteria for classification based on ionization and electron interactions. The lesson delves into factors influencing acid/base strength, like bond strength and electron delocalization, to evaluate chemical reactions.
Lesson 3-
Lesson 3 Acids and Bases+
In this lesson, we will briefly consider several models of acids and bases and use these models to evaluate interactions of these substances.
Lesson 3 Assignment+
Lesson 3 Assignment
Lesson 4. Mastering IUPAC Nomenclature for Basic Organic Molecules
Utilizing the IUPAC nomenclature rules allows for precise and systematic identification of alkanes, which includes naming based on the longest carbon chain and the position of substituents. Cycloalkanes, when containing only single bonds, follow similar naming conventions with additional rules to accommodate their ring structures.
Lesson 4-
Lesson 4 Alkanes and Cycloalkanes I: Nomenclature+
The lesson focuses on a systematic approach to nomenclature for the most basic organic moleculesalkanes and cycloalkanes.
Lesson 4 Assignment+
Lesson 4 Assignment
Lesson 5. Intramolecular Mechanics of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
While alkanes and cycloalkanes are mostly inert due to balanced electron charge distribution, their physical properties like boiling points are influenced by van der Waals forces derived from induced dipoles. Functional groups mark the active sites within organic molecules, dictating how these compounds interact with one another chemically.
Lesson 5-
Lesson 5 Alkanes and Cycloalkanes II: Bonding, Intermolecular Forces, and Functional Groups+
This lesson looks more closely at bonding in alkanes (and, by extension, cycloalkanes), as well as some of the basic characteristics of these molecules.
Lesson 5 Assignment+
Lesson 5 Assignment
Lesson 6. The Essentials: Naming Alkyl Halides, Alcohols, Alkenes, Alkynes
The lesson introduces IUPAC nomenclature for key organic compounds like alkyl halides, alcohols, alkenes, and alkynes, emphasizing systematic naming approaches such as functional class and substitutive nomenclature. Through practice problems, learners become adept at identifying the longest carbon chains and correctly naming various functional groups.
Lesson 6-
Lesson 6 Nomenclature for Alkyl Halides, Alcohols, Alkenes, and Alkynes+
Alkyl halides and alcohols are often involved in synthesis of alkenes and alkynes, for instance, so this lesson focuses on extending IUPAC rules to these molecules.
Lesson 6 Assignment+
Lesson 6 Assignment
Lesson 7. The Role of Hybrid Orbitals in Double and Triple Bonds
Through exploring the unique properties and synthesis of alkenes and alkynes, the lesson reveals insights into orbital arrangement and reactivity. Emphasis is placed on the structural rigidity due to ? bonds and how elimination reactions with bases or acids facilitate the creation of alkenes.
Lesson 7-
Lesson 7 Alkenes/Alkynes I: Properties and Synthesis+
In this lesson, we consider the behavior of orbitals in forming double and triple bonds in alkenes and alkynes, respectively.
This lesson covers the addition reactions in unsaturated hydrocarbons, highlighting the reverse nature compared to elimination reactions and the impact of conditions like catalysts or temperature. Detailed exploration of hydrogenation, electrophilic additions, and adherence to Markovnikov's rule showcases their transformative chemical nature.
Lesson 8-
Lesson 8 Alkenes and Alkynes II: Addition Reactions+
In this lesson, we will largely be considering the reactions that perform the opposite of those we discussed in the previous lesson.
A nucleophilic substitution swaps a functional group in alky halides using electron-seeking compounds. Key topics include S N 1 and S N 2 mechanisms and evaluating nucleophile strength through reactivity and structure considerations.
Lesson 9-
Lesson 9 Nucleophilic Substitution of Alkyl Halides+
In this lesson, we consider reactions that involve replacement of one functional group by another.
Lesson 9 Assignment+
Lesson 9 Assignment
Lesson 10. Understanding the Handedness of Molecules
In exploring the intricacies of stereochemistry, this lesson delves into chirality and its impact on molecular behavior, focusing on chiral molecules, enantiomers, and chirality centers. By recognizing chirality's role in optical activity, you'll apply tools like Fischer projections and the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority system to understand the complex nature of molecular three-dimensionality.
Lesson 10-
Lesson 10 Stereochemistry+
In this lesson, we will focus more on stereochemistry, including chirality.
Lesson 10 Assignment+
Lesson 10 Assignment
Lesson 11. Free Radicals and Their Role in Polymerization
In understanding polymerization and other reactions, free radicals serve as crucial intermediates due to their unpaired electrons and resultant reactivity. This lesson covers their formation and stabilization, highlighting examples such as methane chlorination to elucidate radical-driven reaction mechanisms.
Lesson 11-
Lesson 11 Assignment+
Lesson 11 Assignment
Lesson 12. Benzene: The Quintessential Arene
Benzene, a unique aromatic hydrocarbon, exhibits stability due to delocalized electrons in its ring structure. Its derivatives can be systematically named using IUPAC rules, considering specific substitution patterns.
Lesson 12-
Lesson 12 Assignment+
Lesson 12 Assignment
Lesson 13. Exploring the Reactions of Aromatic Compounds: An In-depth Guide to Electrophilic Substitution and Birch Reduction
Aromatic compounds display unique reactivity due to the reluctance toward typical addition reactions, opting instead for substitution to retain structure integrity. Benzene derivatives are synthesized via controlled mechanisms influenced by stability and resonance phenomena.
Lesson 13-
Lesson 13 Reactions of Aromatic Compounds+
Of course, we cannot cover all of the possible reactions, but the ones we will study here are some representative examples that further elucidate the behavior of arenes.
Lesson 13 Assignment+
Lesson 13 Assignment
Lesson 14. Introduction to Spectroscopy Techniques: NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and IR
Chemists employ NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and IR spectroscopy to decipher unknown chemical compositions. These techniques rely on the physical principles of light interaction, magnetic spin states, and ionized particle mass.
Lesson 14-
Lesson 14 NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy+
In this lesson, we take a break from our discussions of chemical reactions and turn to the problem of how to identify chemicals in a particular compound.
Lesson 14 Assignment+
Lesson 14 Assignment
Lesson 15. The Alchemy of Alcohols: Synthesis and Beyond
This lesson introduces the synthesis of alcohols by methods like reducing carbonyls and hydrating alkenes, moving beyond the classical focus on hydrocarbons. It further dives into alcohol reactions, unveiling transformations into alkenes, alkyl halides, and ethers, thus broadening the horizon of organic chemistry applications involving oxygen.
Lesson 15-
Lesson 15 Synthesis and Reactions of Alcohols+
In particular, this lesson focuses on how to synthesize alcohols and some other reactions that the molecules undergo.
Lesson 15 Assignment+
Lesson 15 Assignment
Lesson 16. Ethers & Epoxides Decoded
The lesson explores the conversion of alcohols to ethers via condensation, emphasizing the nuances of ether and epoxide structures. It also delves into the reactions they undergo, including synthesis and cleavage, while highlighting the distinctive reactivity of epoxides compared to ethers.
Lesson 16-
Lesson 16 Ethers and Epoxides+
In addition to looking briefly at some other synthesis reactions, we will examine several other reactions that ethers and epoxides undergo.
Lesson 16 Assignment+
Lesson 16 Assignment
Lesson 17. The Role of Nucleophilic Addition in Carbonyl Chemistry
The lesson illuminates the structural similarities between aldehydes and ketones and explains how nucleophilic additions alter their chemistry. Factors like substituent group stability and steric hindrance greatly impact their hydration and energy release during reactions.
Lesson 17-
Lesson 17 - Aldehydes and Ketones 1: Introduction and Nucleophilic Addition to Carbonyl Group+
The lesson focuses on nomenclature and properties of these molecules, as well as on the process of nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group.
Lesson 17 Assignment+
Lesson 17 Assignment
Lesson 18. The Chemistry of Enols, Enolates, and their Aldehyde and Ketone Counterparts
Focusing on enols and enolates, this lesson highlights their structural relationship with aldehydes and ketones, influencing the molecules' reactivity. Key reactions such as ?-halogenation and aldol condensation are framed by the pivotal role of ?-hydrogens' acidity and resonance stabilization.
Lesson 18-
Lesson 18 - Aldehydes and Ketones 2: Enols and Enolates+
Specifically, this lesson considers enols and enolates--two forms that are closely related to aldehydes and ketones and that are key to the behavior of these molecules.
Lesson 18 Assignment+
Lesson 18 Assignment
Lesson 19. Diene Dynamics: Understanding Conjugated Systems
The interaction of conjugated dienes in chemical reactions exemplifies how combined functional groups differ from their isolated counterparts. This lesson elaborates on the peculiarities of conjugated dienes in the context of hydrogen halide additions and the intriguing Diels-Alder reaction mechanism.
Lesson 19-
Lesson 19 - Conjugated Unsaturated Systems+
In this lesson, we will consider the peculiar characteristics of conjugated dienes and their behavior in two particular reactions.
Lesson 19 Assignment+
Lesson 19 Assignment
Lesson 20. Exploring the Chemistry of ?-Dicarbonyls: Synthesis and Reactions Explained
This lesson explores the unique chemistry of ?-bicarbonyl compounds, characterized by two carbonyl groups separated by a single carbon, enabling special reactions such as acylation and alkylation. A notable synthesis involves the acylation of a ketone with an ester, forming ?-diketones, which can further undergo alkylation to form various products.
Lesson 20-
Lesson 20 - Synthesis and Reactions of β-Bicarbonyl Compounds+
In this lesson, we consider the special case of molecules that have two carbonyl groups separated by a single carbon atom.
Lesson 20 Assignment+
Lesson 20 Assignment
Lesson 21. Exploring the World of Carboxylic Acids and Their Fascinating Derivatives
Introducing carboxylic acids and derivatives, this lesson covers nomenclature and key reactions, featuring synthesis methods like Grignard carboxylation. The mechanism of acid-catalyzed esterification exemplifies the reactivity of these compounds.
Lesson 21-
Lesson 21 - Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives+
In this lesson, we focus on carboxylic acids, which includes the commonly occurring acetic acid (a component of vinegar), and we also briefly introduce related compounds
Lesson 21 Assignment+
Lesson 21 Assignment
Lesson 22. Amines: A Basic Introduction
In this lesson on nitrogen-containing compounds, we delve into amine characteristics, naming precedents, and typical reaction pathways. These compounds prove vital to understanding organic reactions, including hydrogen bonding and electron donation potential.
Lesson 22-
Lesson 22 - Amines+
In this lesson, we look more carefully at compounds containing nitrogen: specifically, amines.
Lesson 22 Assignment+
Lesson 22 Assignment
Lesson 23. Delving Into Aromatic Substitutions: From Aniline to Aryl Halides
Phenols and aryl halides take center stage in this lesson, illustrating the nuances of their properties and nomenclature in relation to the benzene ring. The content highlights the synthesis pathways and reaction mechanisms, underscoring the role of electron delocalization in phenol acidity and aryl halide formation.
Lesson 23-
Lesson 23 - Phenols and Aryl Halides+
Returning once more to aromatic compounds, this lesson looks more closely at the characteristics and behavior of aryl halides (halogen-substituted benzene rings) and phenols.
Lesson 23 Assignment+
Lesson 23 Assignment
Lesson 24. Carbohydrates: An Overview
The intricacies of carbohydrates, from their classification as ketoses or aldoses to their behavior in cyclic formations, unveil their role as vital biological molecules. Fischer projections serve as a tool to recognize structural properties and stereochemical variations within this molecular class.
Lesson 24-
Lesson 24 - Carbohydrates+
In this lesson, we lightly introduce carbohydrates, which are a critical class of molecules for organisms.
Lesson 24 Assignment+
Lesson 24 Assignment
Lesson 25. Exploring Lipids: A Gateway to Biochemistry
Lipids, being crucial for biological functions, possess a remarkable solubility in nonpolar solvents, unlike many organic molecules. This lesson reviews lipid varieties such as fats and waxes, serving to conclude the course with foundational insights into organic chemistry.
Lesson 25-
Lesson 25 - Lipids+
This course closes with a look at another type of organic compound that is critical to biological systems (organisms): lipids.
The Final Exam+
The Final Exam
In This Course
25 Hours average completion time
2.5 CEUs
25 Lessons
48 Exams & Assignments
28 Reference Files
Mobile Friendly
Last Updated August 2021
Description
Organic chemistry is a branch of general chemistry that focuses on carbon-based compounds. Starting with the simplest molecules, alkanes (carbon chains bound to hydrogen atoms), the course expands to examine more complex molecules, including their basic properties, how they can be synthesized, and how they interact with other molecules.
This highly qualitative course begins by laying a foundation in quantum theory, which describes how atoms interact to form bonds and, thus, molecules. In addition to considering at chemical interactions, the course also takes a brief look at stereochemistry (the arrangement of molecules in three dimensions) and spectroscopy (using light to determine the composition of materials). The course culminates with a brief look at some elements of biochemistry, which examines the behavior of chemicals in biological systems (organisms). Emphases throughout the course include IUPAC nomenclature for organic molecules, the behavior and properties of chemicals with a variety of functional groups, and conceptual methods of synthesizing different organic compounds.
Although the course is not nearly an exhaustive examination of this highly complex subject, it provides a solid foundation for students who simply want to learn more about the subject or who want to review the material in preparation for an introductory or more advanced course in high school or college. Because the course is qualitative rather than quantitative, students do not require extensive math skills to complete the course successfully. Nevertheless, the course provides a solid conceptual understanding for those who wish to study elsewhere the quantitative aspects of the topic.
Skills You'll Develop
Exploring biochemistry with carbohydrates and lipids
Identifying functional groups and their interactions
Grasping stereochemistry and molecular handedness
Drawing and interpreting organic molecular structures
Synthesizing complex alcohols and ethers
Classifying acids and bases effectively
Applying addition and substitution reaction principles
Mastering IUPAC nomenclature for organic compounds
Utilizing spectroscopy for chemical composition analysis
Understanding chemical bonding fundamentals
Navigating carbonyl and conjugated system chemistry
Skills You'll Develop
Exploring biochemistry with carbohydrates and lipids
Identifying functional groups and their interactions
Grasping stereochemistry and molecular handedness
Drawing and interpreting organic molecular structures
Synthesizing complex alcohols and ethers
Classifying acids and bases effectively
Applying addition and substitution reaction principles
Mastering IUPAC nomenclature for organic compounds
Utilizing spectroscopy for chemical composition analysis
Understanding chemical bonding fundamentals
Navigating carbonyl and conjugated system chemistry
More About This Course
Blend Scents with Purpose: Understand functional groups
Blend Scents with Purpose: Explore biochemistry elements
Blend Scents with Purpose: Master IUPAC nomenclature
Blend Scents with Purpose: Analyze organic reactions
Blend Scents with Purpose: Grasp stereochemistry concepts
Blend Scents with Purpose: Engage with spectroscopy techniques
Blend Scents with Purpose: Learn about aromatic compounds
Blend Scents with Purpose: Elevate creativity through chemistry
Blend Scents with Purpose: Discover molecular interactions
What You'll Achieve
Recognize ionic and covalent bonds between atoms and some of their basic characteristics
Use Lewis structures to represent molecules and explain the octet rule in the context of chemical bonding
Demonstrate the ability to draw simplified structural formulas for organic molecules, accurately representing the arrangement and connectivity of atoms and bonds.
Apply the VSEPR model to predict and sketch the three-dimensional configuration of a simple organic molecule, assessing bond angles and molecular geometry.
Recognize and classify acids and bases using the Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis models.
Evaluate the strength of acids and bases by analyzing bond strength and electronegativity factors.
Define the IUPAC nomenclature rules to systematically name alkanes and identify distinct isomers.
Apply the IUPAC naming convention to correctly identify and name cycloalkanes, based on their structural substituents.
Understand the concept of orbital hybridization and its role in forming sp³ hybrid orbitals in carbon structures.
Recognize and classify sigma (?) bonds and apply knowledge of van der Waals forces to predict boiling points of alkanes.
Recognize and identify the presence of functional groups (alkyl halides, alcohols, alkenes, and alkynes) in organic compounds using IUPAC nomenclature.
Apply IUPAC rules to accurately name organic compounds containing alkyl halides, alcohols, alkenes, and alkynes using functional class and substitutive nomenclature.
Define the process of orbital hybridization in the formation of sp2 and sp hybrid orbitals and apply this understanding to predict the structural geometry of alkenes and alkynes.
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