Creating a Lesson Plan

In this lesson we will cover topics that relate to organic chemistry.

Some simple chemical structures that you need to learn. Need to be able to recognize a structure, and name it, as well as be able to draw the structure when given its name.


A. Alkenes
B. Alkynes
C. Esters
D. Ethers
E. Nitriles
F. Aldehydes
G. Ketones
H. Carboxylic Acid
I. Alcohols
J. Amides
K. Carboxylic acid
L. Nitrile
M. Amide

We are now going to go over all of these structures. Students are required to memorize the names of these compounds and be able to draw their structure. Refer to the following Structure Chart We will be going over all of these structures in class. You should all save yourself a copy of it in your notes, and are expected to be able to draw these structures on the test. I do expect that all students have access to internet and be able to download the chart.

What are these simple compounds?

An alkene is a compound which has a double bond in between the two carbons. An alkyne is a compound which has a triple bond in between two carbons. A nitrile is a compound which has a triple bond between the carbon and the nitrogen atom.

Now we are going further in our lesson. Refer to the chart. What is the difference between the ketone and an ester, can anyone tell me? The difference is subtle. A ketone has a double bond between carbon and oxygen, and the carbon shares its other bonds with other carbons only. Ester has the same carbon and oxygen double bond, but the carbon shares a single bond with yet another oxygen.

Look at the structures of an aldehyde, an alcohol, and a carboxylic acid. Can anyone tell me the difference between them. And tell me how they are alike?

Can you what how alike a ketone and an amide are?

I would then give a simple demonstration. I ask that students put everything aside except for a blank sheet of paper and a pen.

I would like students to draw an alcohol, or an aldehyde, or a carboxylic acid.

I will not collect these. Students were just looking at these structures two minutes ago, and this demonstration shows just how much you can remember if you only look at these structures.

I am now going to hand out index cards to all of you. Using index cards is a better way of memorizing structures. I require that students draw on both sides of the index cards each chemical structure, one per one side of the card, and the name of each compound on the bottom in small print. That is the only way that you can really study, and learn them. If you do not draw them, and you keep only staring at them you will not be able to draw these structures on the exam, believe me, I know from personal experience.

For homework, you will go to the chemistry department library. You will each draw these structures using the program called Chemdraw program. Everyone of you will draw and name these compounds using Chemdraw, which is a program that is specific for drawing chemical compounds. I expect that every student can use a computer, and students are expected to learn how to use Chemdraw program to draw these structures. Will be collected from each individual student.

Next lesson will cover spectroscopy.

You will learn how to interpret chemical formulas using:

C NMR
H NMR
Mass spectroscopy
In-fared spectroscopy.

In this lesson you will be able to predict molecular formulas of a compound using spectrum data and by interpreting chemical shifts. For this exercise everyone is required to have a laptop with access to internet. Students will practice by learning how to read the spectrum, and then will try to solve the problem. This will be done online, on the laptop computer. For problems that deal with HNMR go to HNMR Spectra

Another website that you can use is C NMR @ H NMR

Students are expected to go on these websites and practice these problems online.