CHEMISTRY 241-001

Fall 2014
Instructor:
Professor Gary Molander
Office:
Vagelos (IAST) 4001
Phone:
(215) 573-8604
e-mail:
gmolandr@sas.upenn.edu
Office Hours: Tue., Thurs., Fri., 4:00-5:00 or by appointment.
Course Website: https://canvas.upenn.edu
Book: "Organic Chemistry", L. G. Wade, Jr., 8th Edition (Prentice Hall)
Organic Chemistry Solutions Manual, 8th Edition, J. W. Simek and L. G. Wade, Jr. (Prentice Hall)
Virtual Textbook: http://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/intro1.htm
Virtual Problem Sets: http://www2.saplinglearning.com/organic-chemistry
STUDYING
Organic chemistry is a challenging subject that requires regular study habits. It is extremely easy to fall
behind in the class, and once behind it is extraordinarily difficult to catch up. Students are advised to read the
chapters ahead of time, attend lectures, and work problems. Because organic chemistry is a cumulative subject,
the material must be understood as it is being presented memorizing or cramming the material simply does
not work. If you do not understand the material, please seek help immediately.
Unfortunately, organic chemistry is not a spectator sport it requires active participation. Some
students find that note cards are useful for learning individual reactions and understanding the unifying
mechanisms. Another effective technique for mastering organic chemistry is to form a study group with your
peers to discuss problems and clarify the material. However, problem solving is the most important part of the
course, and problems should be attempted before the answers are sought in the solutions manual. In fact, it is
best to have someone else correct the problems you have completed. If you have completed them correctly, you
should be in good shape. If not, you should use your notes and the text to aid you in working through the
problem until you reach an acceptable answer. Only as a last resort should you look up the answer in the
solutions manual, because once you have done so all of the value of performing the problem on your own is
lost.
Workshops: Workshops are held throughout the semester. These workshops will consist of small groups of
students working on a set of problems on their own. A workshop leader will be available to guide students, but
no answers will be given. The rooms and times are provided on a document posted on the Canvas website.
Recitations:
Teaching Assistants:
TA Office Hours (4000 Vagelos):
You may attend any, all, or none of the recitations. However, you must register for one recitation
section or you will be dropped from the course. The main purpose of recitation is to answer questions and assist
in problem solving. It is not intended to be a lecture format. You will get the most out of recitation if you have
read the material and tried the problems before going.

PROPOSED COURSE SCHEDULE

August 28-September 2 ................................Chapter 1 - Review
September 4-9...............................................Chapter 2 - Structure
September 11-16...........................................Chapter 3 Alkanes
September 18-23...........................................Chapter 4 Organic Reactions
September 25-30...........................................Chapter 5 - Stereochemistry
October 2-14 .................................................Chapter 6 Alkyl Halides, Substitution and Elimination
October 16-21 ...............................................Chapter 7 Structure and Properties of Alkenes
October 23-30 ...............................................Chapter 8 Reactions of Alkenes
November 4-6 ...............................................Chapter 9 - Alkynes
November 11-13 ...........................................Chapter 10 Structure and Synthesis of Alcohols
November 18-20 ...........................................Chapter 11 Reactions of Alcohols
November 25 ................................................Chapter 12 IR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry
December 2-9 ...............................................Chapter 13 NMR
For great spectroscopy problems see: ........
http://orgchem.colorado.edu/Spectroscopy/Problems/
EXAMS AND GRADING
There will be three semester examinations (100 points each) and a final examination that will be
comprehensive (100 points).
Exams: October 1, 6:00-7:30 PM

Chem 514

(Chapters 1-4)

100 points

November 5, 6:00-7:30 PM Chem 514

(Chapters 5-8)

100 points

December 3, 6:00-7:30 PM

(Chapters 9-12)

100 points

Final Exam:

Chem 514

Friday, December 19, 9:00-11:00 AM

100 points (comprehensive)

Problems: Work as many problems as possible. Although the format of these may not be the same as that of
the examinations, it does serve a useful educational purpose.
Molecular Models: Molecular models facilitate visualization of molecules in three dimensions and are a
valuable tool in understanding stereochemistry. Students are allowed to use molecular models during the
examinations.
Examination Keys: Answers to the exams will be posted in the library and on the Canvas site. Exams will not
be returned to students that have not properly registered within the drop-add period. These students will not
receive a grade.

Make-up Exams: Students may not miss a midterm examination without a valid reason. No make-up exams
will be given, and no examination grades are dropped. If an examination must be missed, valid written excuses
from a doctor or from a family member in the event of personal tragedies are required. In lieu of a make-up
examination, a weight-averaged ghost score will be given for missed exams. The ghost score will be based
on performance on the other examinations. Unexcused absences from an exam will result in a grade of zero.
Final examinations that must be postponed for legitimate reasons will be held during the time designated by the
University.
Regrading: If there has been an error in the grading of an exam or in the addition of the exam score, please
submit it for regrading. The exam must be submitted by the next class period after it has been returned to you,
with a note attached describing the error. DO NOT write directly on the graded exam. Note that when exams
are submitted for regrades, the entire examination will be regraded.
Drops, Withdrawals, or Incompletes: The deadlines for dropping or withdrawing will be rigorously observed.
A grade of Incomplete will not be given in place of these.
Grading Policy: Typically, the overall mean for the four examinations will be about 65. On this basis, an
average 80 would constitute the A range, about 65-79 would be the B range, and around 50-65 would be
the C range. If the total mean falls significantly above or below 65, these (flexible) ranges would be adjusted
accordingly. Although variable, depending on the strength of the class, normally about 60% of the class will
fall within the A/B range, with more Bs than As being given. Normalization of grades with other sections of
the same course will be performed. Pluses and minuses will be given.
Violations of the Code of Academic Integrity: Any case of suspected cheating on any of the examinations or on
a regrade of an examination will be directed to the Judicial Inquiry Officer. Any student found guilty of
cheating will receive an F for the course and whatever further action deemed necessary by the Judicial Inquiry
Officer.
Final Grades: Final examinations are scheduled by the Registrars office. Students missing a final examination
must obtain permission to take the make-up exam the following semester from an advisor in the SAS office.