Alkene Addition Reactions: Regioselectivity and Stereoselectivity Almost all reactions of alkenes we will learn about can be classified as addition reactions In an alkene addition
Read moreAn extensive introduction to keto-enol tautomerism in aldehydes and ketones, with mechanisms, quizzes, key concepts, references and more.
Read moreNucleophilic Acyl Substitution (With Negatively Charged Nucleophiles) Yes, there are a lot of reactions of carboxylic acid derivatives to learn! In this article we’ll explore
Read moreThe Second-Most Important Mechanism In Carbonyl Chemistry – Carbonyl Elimination The reverse of nucleophilic addition to the C=O bond (giving a tetrahedral intermediate) is elimination
Read moreSometimes The “Formal Charge” Does Not Accurately Represent The Electron Density Around An Atom! Formal charges have their plusses and minuses. Har har. In many
Read moreThere’s a hidden layer of detail beneath chemical structures that students new to organic chemistry often miss. I’m talking about partial charges. Although each of
Read moreWhen figuring out what the product of a reaction is, there are really two important steps. 1. Figuring out where the electrons go. 2. Drawing
Read moreWhen studying for organic chemistry, knowing the relationships between properties is more important than learning facts by rote.
Read moreBasic Hydrolysis of Esters (Saponification) When esters are treated with sodium hydroxide, they are converted into carboxylate salts, which upon neutralization yield carboxylic acids. This
Read moreWhat Bonds Form, What Bonds Break? About a month or so ago I had a big revelation as an instructor. Something that I’d been taking
Read more