Hidden Hydrogens, Hidden Lone Pairs, Hidden Counterions
Hidden Hydrogens, Lone Pairs, and Counter-Ions Time is precious. Drawing the full structures of chemical formulae out takes time. Shaving an extra 10-20 seconds here
Read moreblind spots
Blogaversary
Feb 18, 2010: Wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my career. I wanted to teach, but after two years of failed academic
Read morePutting Diels-Alder Products in Perspective
One of the things I like about teaching is that it helps me realize some of the things I take for granted that newcomers find
Read moreCommon Mistakes in Organic Chemistry: Pentavalent Carbon
Pentavalent (a.k.a. “Texas”) Carbons So what are some of the most common mistakes we can make in organic chemistry? Given the relatively qualitative nature of
Read moreThe Marriage May Be Bad, But the Divorce Still Costs Money
Common misconception: energy is released through the breaking of bonds. Not correct. Energy is released through the FORMATION of chemical bonds. Formation of a new
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