1. Pavia, Lampman, Kriz, & Engel, Introduction to Organic Laboratory Techniques, 1^st Edition; Saunders, 1998.
2. Pavia, Lampman, & Kriz, Introduction to Spectroscopy, 2^nd Edition; Saunders, 1996.
3. A bound (or spiral) notebook of at least 50 pages, size 8.5 x 11", for use in the laboratory. Available at the Union bookstore and many other places (like Wal-Mart).

This course has three primary goals - to provide exposure to the common techniques and principles of experimental organic chemistry, to afford practice in the written documentation and discussion of experimental results, and to instill a sense of confidence and independence in each student as a developing scientist (whether or not your ultimate career choice will involve the chemical sciences).

We will begin with a review of some general principles, address some of the practical aspects of organic spectroscopy, and move into an exercise involving basic separation/purification techniques. The remainder of the semester will be devoted to multistep organic synthesis, since this is an ideal forum for learning all the various aspects of experimental organic chemistry. In keeping with the philosophy of always being prepared prior to entering the lab, the procedure for an upcoming experiment will always be supplied at least a week in advance.

It should be noted that a few of the synthetic sequences we will investigate have never been carried out previously at EIU, although they have been successfully executed at other schools. Thus, we will undoubtedly be faced with chemical problems very much as in true research. This guarantees an experience which should be challenging, instructive, and (believe it or not!) lots of fun.

Be sure to acquaint yourself thoroughly with the accompanying handout on safety policies and rules. The number one priority in this course is the safety of all persons, and the rules will be vigorously enforced, including point deductions for habitual offenders.

As is mentioned in the handout on notebooks, preparation is essential for success in the lab. Thus, there will be a short (15 minute) quiz at the start of each laboratory period in which a new experiment is to begin covering the basic concepts and safety considerations of the experiment. The quizzes will be worth 10 points each; thus, since six projects will be carried out, the quiz total will be 60 points. There will also be occasional spot checks of laboratory notebooks prior to the start of any lab period to be sure that the correct information is filled out beforehand. A poorly prepared notebook will result in a 5 point deduction for each occurrence.

The lab reports, outlined in detail on the accompanying handout, will be worth 50 points each; thus, their total will be 300 points. Each lab report is due one week following the period in which the experiment is concluded; the dates are noted on the attached schedule. Each day late will result in a deduction of 10 points from the total possible points for the lab.

Finally, there will be a short (about an hour) lab final, covering techniques and safety aspects of the semester's work. This exercise will be worth 50 points and will occur during the last laboratory period just prior to checkout. Thus, possible points for the semester total 410.

Grades will be assigned on a curve based on the performance of the class as a whole, but will approximate a scale wherein 90, 80, 70 and 60 percent of the available points correspond to minima for grades of A, B, C, and D, respectively. You are encouraged to stop in at any time to see where you stand in relation to the rest of the class, or for help or guidance in any form.

If you must miss a laboratory period (for an extremely good, documented reason), you must:

1. Inform me before the start of the period. This is very important and can be accomplished by a phone call (581-6225; leave a message on the voicemail system if I'm not there), leaving a message with the department secretary (581-3322), sending email (cfthb@eiu.edu), or having another student deliver the message. Failure to do this will result in a zero grade for the project being carried out at the time - no exceptions.

2. Make up the lab within one week of the period missed. This will be arranged with you on a case-by-case basis. Departmental regulations (and common sense) prohibit working alone in a teaching laboratory under any circumstances.