Topic Summaries and Learning Objectives

These pdf files contain learning objectives for each of the various topics that you'll cover in a one-year organic chemistry course. They are not a substitute for reading your textbook, doing practice problems, or attenting class. Rather, you might use them as a guide for further exploration, a checklist to assess what you know or don't know, and a source of supplemental information.

Introductory Topics. This set of learning objectives covers topics typically discussed in the first one or two chapters of most textbooks. A lot of this is review of general chemistry, with an emphasis on how the topics are important to organic chemistry. Examples include periodic properties, orbitals, VSEPR theory, and bonding.

Acids and Bases. Some textbooks cover this topic in a dedicated chapter. Others do so as part of chapter one. Either way, this is one of the most important topics you will learn in the course and is essential to understanding organic chemistry.

Structure. Topics include ways of representing molecules, physical properties, conformational analysis, and isomerism.

Conformational Analysis. A quick reference to terms and values commonly encountered in conformational analysis.

Chirality. Learning objectives that cover the area of study known as stereochemistry.

Alkenes. Covers the basic structure and reactivity of alkenes.

Alkynes. Covers the basic structure and reactivity of alkynes.

Conjugation and MO Theory. Topics include MO theory, conjugated alkenes, addition reactions of conjugated alkenes, and the Diels-Alder Reaction.

Substitution and Elimination. Covers the four competing reactions known as SN1, SN2, E1, and E2.

Alcohols, Ethers, and Epoxides. Covers the reactivity of these types of compounds.

Mass Spectrometry. A reference sheet for this important method of structure determination.

Infrared Spectroscopy. A reference sheet for this instrumental method of functional group determination.

Aromaticity. Covers the concept of aromaticity and electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions of benzene rings.

NMR Spectroscopy. Covers 1H and 13C NMR Spectroscopy.

Ketones and Aldehydes. Covers the reactivity of these important class of compounds.

Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives. Covers the reactions of carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid derivatives.

Enolates. Covers the chemistry of enolates and reactions at the alpha carbon of carbonyls.

Amines. Covers the chemistry of nitrogen-containing organic compounds.

Oxidation and Reduction Reactions. A review of the various oxidation and reduction reactions encountered in the course.

Carbohydrates. A reference sheet on this important class of biological compounds.

Amino Acids. Covers amino acids, peptides, and proteins.

UV-Vis Spectroscopy. A reference sheet on spectroscopy involving ultraviolet and visible light.

© Thomas Poon 1999