Organic Nomenclature and Stereochemistry (Undergraduate Foundation)

Organic chemistry relies on precise naming to avoid confusion in laboratories and industries across the world. This course teaches you the standard rules for naming carbon-based molecules and understanding their three-dimensional shapes. You will move from simple chains to complex rings, learning how to identify functional groups and assign priorities correctly. The curriculum covers structural variations and spatial arrangements that define molecular behaviour in real chemical systems. Accurate nomenclature is essential for reading scientific literature, writing lab reports, and communicating with peers in university or industry. You will apply these skills to interpret drug structures, analyse polymer compositions, and solve examination questions with confidence. Understanding stereochemistry helps you predict how molecules interact with light and biological receptors, which is critical for pharmacy and materials science. This knowledge forms the backbone of advanced organic synthesis and analytical techniques used in professional practice. You will master the IUPAC rules for alkanes, polyfunctional compounds, cyclics, and aromatic systems. You will learn to distinguish chain, position, and functional group isomers, as well as tautomeric forms. The course trains you to assign E/Z configurations using priority rules and phantom atoms for geometric isomerism. You will also determine R/S configurations using Fischer projections and calculate stereoisomer counts for chiral centres, including meso compounds and diastereomers. This course is primarily for first-year university students in chemistry, pharmacy, and engineering who need a solid foundation in organic structure. It suits Nigerian secondary school leavers preparing for advanced science exams like JAMB or WAEC who want to get ahead of university coursework. Non-science majors seeking basic chemical literacy will also benefit from the clear explanations of molecular architecture. Professionals refreshing their knowledge of systematic naming conventions will find the structured approach efficient and practical for immediate application.

6 hrs

$ 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
8
3
Some molecules are mirror images yet cannot be superimposed. This chapter explains why identical formulas behave differently in the human body. You will learn to identify chirality and understand how spatial arrangement affects biological function. You will assign R-S configurations; distinguish enantiomers from diastereomers; calculate stereoisomer counts; identify meso compounds; and interpret optical activity using Fischer projections.
Concept Overviews
8 Lessons
1:08:30
Problem Walkthroughs
3 Lessons
27:21