Organic Chemistry I

Professor Carl C. Wamser

Chapter 2 Skills

Knowledge - Level 1

know the names of the alkanes up to decane

know the common names isopropyl, isobutane, isopentane, neopentane

know the common names of the four butyl groups

know the IUPAC rules for systematic nomenclature of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and bicycloalkanes (Chap 3)

molecular orbitals: sigma and pi bonds

hybrid orbitals: sp, sp2, sp3


Concepts - Level 2

understand the physical properties of the alkane family as typical nonpolar molecules

distinguish straight-chain, branched-chain, and cyclic alkanes

distinguish different types of isomers: constitutional, stereoisomers, conformers

understand the classification system for carbon atoms and functional groups
( 1° , 2° , 3° , 4° )


Applications - Level 3

apply the IUPAC rules to naming alkanes, cycloalkanes, and bicycloalkanes

from a given name, be able to write the structure

classify carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, and functional groups in a molecule
( 1° , 2° , 3° , 4° )

use heats of combustion to compare stabilities of different isomers


Analytical Skills - Level 4 & higher

identify the hybridization of a given atom or a given bond

using hybridization, write good 3D structures for molecules

identify oxidation-reduction reactions