Studying chair conformations is likely one of the trickiest visual topics in organic chemistry, perhaps second only to Fischer projections. Not only are you required to learn a 3-dimensional concept, but you also have to manipulate that 3-D molecule on 2-dimensional paper. The average orgo student is not an artist, making this topic even trickier. […]
Formal Charge Formula and Shortcut for Organic Chemistry
Formal Charge (FC) is the individual charge of an atom in an ion or molecule. Time saving shortcut for calculating Formal Charge in Organic Chemistry including practice problems and more.
Lewis Structure for Radicals
This video shows you a quick, time-saving checklist for radicals in Lewis structures! It ensures you don’t miss anything when deciding WHICH atom most likely has the radical. You’ll also see it in action as it is applied to several examples. For even more on radicals, read Free Radicals in Organic Chemistry – Reactions, Resonance, Stability, […]
Sp3, Sp2 and Sp Hybridization, Geometry and Bond Angles
Sp³, sp² and sp hybridization, or the mixing of s and p orbitals which allows us to create sigma and pi bonds, is a topic we usually think we understand, only to get confused when it reappears in organic chemistry molecules and reactions. When I took general chemistry, I simply memorized a chart of geometries and […]
Cyclohexane Chair Conformations Practice Quiz
Chair conformations can present quite the challenge in Organic Chemistry. But they don’t have to. Start by gaining your foundation in the Chair Conformations Tutorial Series. Then test your knowledge and understanding of this topic with the quiz below. Scroll to the very bottom of this quiz for a link to the FREE quiz solutions PDF […]
Ionic, Polar Covalent and Non-Polar Covalent Bonding Tutorial Video
Orgo Basics Video Series: Video 1 Your organic chemistry professor will take it for granted that you have a solid understanding of bonding. Specifically the chemical nature of ionic bonds, polar covalent and non-polar covalent bonds. These will be especially important once you start working through reactions because understanding bonds will help you recognize strong/weak […]
sp2/sp Hybridization, Bond Angle, Molecular Geometry Tutorial Video
Orgo Basics Video Series: Video 3 sp2 and sp hybrids provide organic compounds with unique shapes and reacting abilities. This video breaks down the hybridization for sp2 and sp fused orbitals using carbon and other commonly seen atoms to help you understand hybrids, geometry, and bond angles. Looking to understand molecular orbitals? Visit my Molecular Orbital […]
sp3 Hybridization, Bond Angle, Molecular Geometry Tutorial Video
Orgo Basics Video Series: Video 2 Carbon is the most common element you’ll come across in your organic chemistry course. It’s ability to bind up to 4 different atoms for a 3-dimensional structure makes it so unique and so important to organic compounds. This video helps you understand the sp3 hybridization for carbon and other […]
Lewis Structure Trick for Organic Chemistry Molecules
Orgo Basics Video Series: Video 5 Lewis structures provide you with a simple way to draw out an organic molecule showing every atom, bond, and lone electron pair. While not ideal for demonstrating bond angle and molecular geometry, it’s a great way to begin your understanding of molecules and bonding in organic chemistry. Every professor […]
Organic Chemistry or Art Class?
Wait, they never told me I needed art skills to draw organic molecules! You knew this was going to be a difficult class, and you were ready for it. You prepared to learn about atoms and electrons, reactions and mechanisms. Oh, the mechanisms! You start with Skeletal Structures, Then you get to Newman Projections, And […]
