Welcome to Module Six: Introduction to Structure Determination in Organic Chemistry!

This week we will wrap up stereochemistry, and begin to explore spectroscopy, a collection of analytical methods that make use of electromagnetic radiation to probe the structure of organic compounds. In this module, we will focus on mass spectrometry.

Learning Objectives

Translate from wedge-and-dash representations to Fischer projections and back again
Recognize cis- and trans- double bonds
Assign E or Z designation to alkenes
Describe simply what information mass spectrometry provides about a sample
Interpret a simple mass spectrum
Relate energy of light to the wavelength and frequency of light RE the electromagnetic spectrum.

How to Achieve the Objectives

You can achieve this module's learning objective by accomplishing the following:

Reading Activities

- Module Six Suggested Reading

Lectures

- Relating Fischer Projections to Wedge-and-Dash Structures
- Alkenes: Cis, Trans, E, and Z
- Structure Determination in Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Mass Spectrometry
- Interpreting Simple Mass Spectra
- Review of the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Energy, Frequency, and Wavelength

Practice Problems

- Module Six Practice Problems

Assignments

- Module Six Quiz

How You Will Demonstrate Your Achievement of the Learning Objectives

Module Six Quiz
- By completing the multiple choice quiz covering new material from this week's module, earning a B- or better on the quiz (>80%).