Organic Nomenclature and Stereochemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)

Chemical names follow strict laws. This course teaches IUPAC rules for naming organic compounds and how functional groups define their nature. You will learn to identify molecules by their structures and understand 3D spatial arrangements. We cover optical and geometric isomerism to show how identical formulas can have different shapes. Doctors and pharmacists use these rules to identify drugs. In a lab, naming a substance wrongly can cause dangerous accidents. Knowing how atoms sit in space helps you understand how medicines fit into the human body. This knowledge is the base for making new materials, fuels, and life-saving treatments. You will name complex organic molecules using standard IUPAC Systems. You will categorise compounds by their functional groups and predict their chemical behaviour. You will also identify different types of isomers and draw 3D structures accurately. By the end, you can explain how molecular shape affects biological function. This course is for first-year university students in chemistry, pharmacy, and engineering. It also helps secondary school leavers preparing for advanced science exams. Even if you are not a science major, understanding these basics helps you read product labels and understand the chemicals in your daily life.

$ 9.99

Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
CHM 102: General Chemistry II
CHM 102: General Chemistry II
Excel in your CHM 102 exams and build a professional career in the global science and engineering sectors. This track follows the NUC CCMAS syllabus, covering carbon bonding, molecular structures, and metal chemistry. You will learn how atoms form fuels and medicines, how to identify pure substances, and why molecular shapes affect biological systems. This programme provides the scientific foundation needed for roles in the oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries. This track is for first-year university students in chemistry, engineering, medicine, or pharmacy. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for university entrance or technical workers needing a refresher on laboratory methods. Anyone starting a science-based degree will find these lessons essential for their academic progress. You will gain the ability to name organic compounds using IUPAC rules, predict reaction outcomes, and use lab techniques like chromatography and distillation. You will understand how to calculate chemical formulas and explain the behaviour of transition metals. Finishing this programme prepares you for advanced research, quality control roles, and industrial manufacturing.

Excel in your CHM 102 exams and build a professional career in the global science and engineering sectors. This track follows the NUC CCMAS syllabus, covering carbon bonding, molecular structures, and metal chemistry. You will learn how atoms form fuels and medicines, how to identify pure substances, and why molecular shapes affect biological systems. This programme provides the scientific foundation needed for roles in the oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries. This track is for first-year university students in chemistry, engineering, medicine, or pharmacy. It also serves secondary school leavers preparing for university entrance or technical workers needing a refresher on laboratory methods. Anyone starting a science-based degree will find these lessons essential for their academic progress. You will gain the ability to name organic compounds using IUPAC rules, predict reaction outcomes, and use lab techniques like chromatography and distillation. You will understand how to calculate chemical formulas and explain the behaviour of transition metals. Finishing this programme prepares you for advanced research, quality control roles, and industrial manufacturing.

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Course Chapters

1. Introduction
2
This chapter establishes the foundation of organic chemistry by explaining how functional groups define molecular behaviour. You will see why specific atom arrangements classify substances and determine their chemical properties. You will identify major functional groups; distinguish between similar structures like aldehydes and ketones; and map every class to its defining bond arrangement. This knowledge allows you to predict reactivity and apply correct IUPAC categories.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
18:08
2. Alkanes and Alkyls
2
1
Alkanes form the parent chains for all organic nomenclature. This chapter explains how saturated hydrocarbons serve as the base structure and how removing hydrogen creates reactive alkyl substituents. You will learn to identify the longest carbon chain; assign correct locants to branches; and apply IUPAC rules to complex structures with groups like isopropyl. This ensures you can name any branched alkane without ambiguity.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
19:14
Problem Walkthroughs
1 Lesson
9:52
3. Polyfunctional Compounds
2
2
Molecules with multiple functional groups create naming conflicts. This chapter resolves which group claims the parent suffix and which becomes a prefix using strict IUPAC rules. You will master the priority hierarchy for competing groups; assign correct locants to complex structures; and name compounds containing acids, alcohols, ketones, and amines accurately.
Concept Overviews
2 Lessons
19:06
Problem Walkthroughs
2 Lessons
17:24
4. Cyclics and Aromatics
6
Rings and aromatic systems form the backbone of many drugs and fuels. You will learn to name these stable structures using strict IUPAC rules. This chapter covers everything from simple saturated rings to complex fused benzene derivatives. You will name cyclic compounds with multiple substituents; distinguish ortho, meta and Para positions on benzene rings; resolve priority conflicts between functional groups; and apply correct nomenclature to poly-aromatic systems.
Concept Overviews
6 Lessons
37:28
5. Structural Isomerism
4
Same formula does not mean same substance. This chapter shows how atoms link in different orders to create distinct chemicals with unique properties. You will see why structure dictates behaviour in organic compounds. You will define isomerism and separate structural types from spatial ones. You will identify chain, position, and functional group variations. You will also explain how tautomers shift hydrogen to change their class.
Concept Overviews
4 Lessons
24:20
6. Geometric Isomerism
5
Geometric isomerism occurs when restricted rotation locks atoms in fixed positions. This chapter explains how double bonds create distinct spatial arrangements that alter chemical behaviour. You will learn why shape matters for drug function and material properties. You will distinguish stereoisomer types; assign cis and trans labels; apply E and Z priority rules; resolve ties using atomic number lists; and handle multiple bonds with phantom atoms.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
40:43
7. Optical Isomerism
5
2
This chapter covers chirality and molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images. This form of stereochemistry is crucial in pharmacy as mirror-image drugs can have opposite effects in the body. You will learn to identify chiral centres, assign R and S configurations, and distinguish between enantiomers, diastereomers, and meso compounds.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
36:09
Problem Walkthroughs
2 Lessons
8. Conclusion
1
This final chapter reviews the systematic naming and spatial analysis of organic molecules. It reinforces the relationship between a molecule's name, its 3D shape, and its chemical identity. You will learn to synthesise nomenclature and stereochemistry rules and prepare for the study of organic reaction mechanisms in subsequent courses.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson