How To Interpret IR Spectra In 1 Minute Or Less: The 2 Most Important Things To Look For [Tongue and Sword] Last post, we briefly introduced the concept of bond vibrations, and we saw that we can think of covalent bonds as a bit like balls and springs: the springs vibrate, and each one "sings" at … [Read more...]
Organic Chemistry IUPAC Nomenclature Demystified With A Simple Puzzle Piece Approach
IUPAC Nomenclature Demystified with a Simple Puzzle-Piece Approach, by Leah Fisch Note from James: This is a guest post by Leah Fisch of Leah4Sci.com , an online resource for learning organic chemistry, MCAT preparation, and other science topics . This is an epic, comprehensive post on organic … [Read more...]
Summary Sheet: Functional Groups
I thought it would be good to make a summary sheet based on functional groups, so here one is: Functional Group Summary Sheet (PDF) You can find other sheets in the Summary Sheets section of this site. In addition, I made some extra summary sheets for Org 1 available on my Shopify Store, … [Read more...]
Table of Functional Group Priorities for Nomenclature
Here's a little nomenclature dilemma. Let's say you're trying to name a molecule. You're familiar with the familiar naming suffixes like -ol, -ene, -ane, -oic acid and so on. But then you come across a molecule which has multiple functional groups. What do you do? What suffix do you give the … [Read more...]
Meet the (Most Important) Functional Groups
Functional groups are specific groupings of atoms within molecules that have their own characteristic properties, regardless of the other atoms present in a molecule. Common examples are alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, ketones, and ethers. In a typical sophomore organic chemistry course, … [Read more...]
Organic Chemistry Study Tips: Quick Wins
Sometimes I spend time on the SDN forums to see what premeds have to say about their organic chemistry woes. Last night while poking around, I found the following: Organic Chemistry Has Violated Me Countless Times I'm in week 2 of Organic Chemistry and I'm feeling SO discouraged. I was really … [Read more...]
Summary Sheet – Introduction to Reactivity and Nomenclature
One of my students is taking an introductory organic chemistry course at a community college. While preparing for our next session, which is going to cover some of the basics of chemical reactivity, I found myself making a little summary sheet. It's not nearly as comprehensive as some of the ones … [Read more...]