Organic Chemistry

Study of carbon-containing compounds and their reactions.

Structure and Bonding in Organic MoleculesFunctional Groups and Organic NomenclatureTypes of Organic Reactions
Stereochemistry: 3D Shapes of MoleculesSpectroscopy and Organic AnalysisOrganic Chemistry in Biological Systems
Pharmaceuticals and Drug DesignPlastics and Polymers in Everyday LifeFood Chemistry and Nutrition
Mastering Organic StructuresApproaching Reaction Mechanisms
Structure and Bondin...Functional Groups an...Types of Organic Rea...Stereochemistry: 3D ...Spectroscopy and Org...Organic Chemistry in...Pharmaceuticals and ...Plastics and Polymer...Food Chemistry and N...Mastering Organic St...Approaching Reaction...
Study Strategies

Approaching Reaction Mechanisms

Understand the Flow

Focus on the movement of electrons using curly arrows. Break reactions down into steps, and identify intermediates and transition states. Learn common patterns, like nucleophile attacks and leaving groups.

Tips

  • Practice by following mechanisms in textbook examples.
  • Memorize key reaction types (addition, substitution, elimination) and their general steps.

Examples

  • Map out the SN2 reaction mechanism for converting an alkyl halide to an alcohol.

  • Label the nucleophile and electrophile in a simple addition reaction.