The study of carbon and its chemical compounds is referred to as organic chemistry.It can be difficult to understand the topic at first.It is understandable with persistence.Understanding organic chemistry is important for anyone interested in natural or man made chemicals, including those in foods, drinks, and our own bodies.
Step 1: An increase in the number of bonds is needed to identify sigma addition reactions.
Look for more atoms than the original molecule.This can be done by breaking a pi bond or bonding to a set of unpaired electrons.Adding reactions don't swap one atom for another.They add something new.When double or triple bonds are attacked, addition reactions happen.If a double bond is present between two carbons, hydrogen will be added to the molecule.No other species would leave.
Step 2: An increase in the number of pi bonds indicates an elimination reaction.
This is not the same as an addition reaction.Something will be taken away from the original molecule.The unbound electrons can either form a pi bond or show up as a lone pair.The unpaired electrons go into a double bond between two of the carbons if you remove hydrogen from a hydrocarbon chain.This does not require anything else to be added.
Step 3: Take notice of any substitution reactions.
A substitution reaction occurs when a group on a molecule is removed and replaced by another group.This doesn't change the number of pi or sigma bonds in the molecule, as you would see with addition and elimination reactions.There are different types of substitution reactions.One electrophile replaces another in a reaction.A substitution reaction that only involves one molecule.The new group is free to attack the molecule after the leaving group leaves.The transition state is formed in this type of reaction.The leaving group is forced to fall away when the new group attacks the molecule.
Step 4: There are spot rearrangement reactions when the product is the same formula as the original molecule.
The same atoms are present in different configurations of isomers.They have the same formula, but different properties.In rearrangements, the number of bonds is usually unaffected.tautomerization is a subset of rearrangement reactions.Two isomers quickly flip back and forth between each other.
Step 5: There are other important reactions that can affect organic molecules.
Radical reactions are very common in organic chemistry.It is a good idea to review the reactions from general chemistry.If you continue your pursuit of organic chemistry, you will encounter more complicated reactions that occur under specialized conditions, but they will follow the same basic foundations as all organic reactions.
Step 6: There are philes in organic chemistry.
It's a word that means "electron-loving" species.This applies to everything.If it can accept an electron pair, it is considered an strontium.It's important to remember that not all philes attract the same electrons.The higher the electronegativities, the better the attraction of electrons.There are good examples of cations.They are attracted to the negative charge of an electron because they have a positive net charge.There are halogens.Since acquiring one electron will fill their outermost electron shell, they are more stable.
Step 7: Identifying nucleophiles in organic chemistry reaction mechanisms is important.
It's a perfect compliment to have a nucleus.Any species that can give a pair of electrons is a nucleophile.The higher the electronegativities of the species, the better it will be at donating electrons.Anions can give up electrons in order to become more stable.This happens via bonding.The outermost electron shell of alkali earth metals tend to be nucleophilic since they give away an electron.
Step 8: Remember that in organic reactions, nucleophiles attack.
This is just a way of looking at mechanisms.If the compound seeks out and reacts with the other compound, you should read your mechanism.This will help you remember where the electrons are going.An example of this would be a molecule with a double bond between two of its carbons that is attacked by a bromine molecule.The double bond would be broken and the bromine added to one of the two carbons.
Step 9: Get familiar with other foundations of organic chemistry.
There are important underlying principles that govern the more complex reactions in organic chemistry.You can see how these principles play out in the most complex set of organic reactions if you become familiar with them.Stereochemistry refers to the way that the shape and size of a molecule affects its reactivity.There are different possible electron configurations for a molecule.An electron pair can be found in a double bond or close to a functional group.stabilization for the molecule is provided by this flexibility.This takes the delocalization of electrons seen in resonance to a different level.There are always pi electrons in an aromatic molecule and they can be delocalized across a pi bond system or in a ring.The atoms that are attached to the molecule have different characteristics.
Step 10: Before class, read the book.
You can preview the information that will be covered in the lectures.Make sure your notes correspond to the notes you take during the lecture by taking notes on what you read.If the lecture doesn't answer your questions, you should write them down and ask them.
Step 11: note cards for different reactions
Break the large amount of information in an organic chemistry class down into note cards will benefit you greatly.What information you want to learn at the time will affect the system you use for your notecards.Don't throw away your note cards.You will be better off if you keep them to review each week.You could make a set of note cards for the addition reactions that you are studying.You could make a set of note cards that cover different reactions.You could make several sets of note cards that organize the information in different ways.
Step 12: Every day of the semester you can study organic chemistry.
One massive session of studying is not very effective according to research.If you spread out your study time, you will learn more.You should take a study break every forty-five minutes.You should review past material each week.You can review your notecards to keep the material fresh.
Step 13: Study in a group.
You will find different ways to look at organic reactions if you study alone.Other students might be better at determining which reactions are SN1 or SN2 than you are.Everyone will benefit from this exchange of knowledge.One way to approach social learning is to tutor someone else.
Step 14: Practice problems need to be taken very seriously.
Practice problems will force your brain to remember what you have learned.This is important for taking the test.It's a good idea to time yourself so that you can work faster.Try to complete practice tests in the same amount of time that you will be in class.