In general, engineering is not easy to transfer into: your first year grades will matter a lot, and you have to make your case.
I’m guessing you are a marginal applicant, since you seem to be thinking that you won’t get into engineering by the front door. Chem could be a good back door- BUT you might as well be honest with yourself now about the reasons that you aren’t a strong candidate for the front door and consider whether they are still relevant.