Chirality/Stereochemistry Video Series: Video 4 R and S configurations are pretty straight-forward when priority group #4 is conveniently in the back of the molecule. There’s even a quick trick for when group #4 is forward (as taught in this video). But what happens when priority group #4 is in the plain of the page? Do […]
EAS Series: Video 8 This video shows you a comparison of the Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, including the limitations of FC alkylation, and how to convert an acylation product to the reduced alkyl version. (Watch on YouTube: Alkylation v. Acylation. Click CC on bottom right for transcript.) <– Watch Previous Video: Friedel Crafts Acylation […]
This video provides a step by step walk through of a difficult SN1 SN2 E1 E2 mechanism when given a product. This question comes from a student’s practice exam where over 100 students failed to get full credit. You can learn how to ace questions like this by paying attention to the LOGIC more than just […]
Markovnikov’s Rule is a very important pattern to both understand and recognize when studying alkene addition reactions. What is Markovnikov’s rule all about and how does this impact regioselectivity in electrophilic addition reactions? As you follow along with my alkene reactions cheat sheet, you’ll notice that many reactions are labeled Mark or Anti-Mark and syn or […]
SN1 SN2 E1 Series: Video 2 SN1 SN2 E1 E2 comprise the most difficult set of reactions you’ll learn in organic chemistry. The reactions themselves are simple enough but choosing which ones to use when can be tricky. This video will give you a quick overview/review of the individual reactions and mechanisms to prepare you […]
Benzene is a unique molecule when it comes to resonance structures. This video will show you how to draw the ‘circle’ of resonance for benzene, as well as resonance intermediates for substituted aromatic compounds including Electron Donating Groups EDG which resonate into the ring and Electron Withdrawing Groups EWG which cause resonance out of the ring. […]
Newman Projection Series: Video 5 Newman projections provide you with a unique perspective of analyzing atomic interactions in a molecule. However, converting between Newman Projection and Sawhorse can be somewhat tricky. This video teaches you a quick shortcut for when you need to quickly convert between Newman to Sawhorse or Sawhorse to Newman. (Watch on […]
Think you know Resonance structures? Test your knowledge with my Resonance Structures Practice Quiz! Practice is ESSENTIAL to mastering Organic Chemistry. You have to be able to apply the skills you are learning. First, complete the Resonance Structures Practice Quiz, and then watch this video where I go over the first three question solutions and explanations step-by-step! (Watch […]
When you hear n-butyl, secbutyl, isobutyl and tert butyl. Do these terms scare you? Learning Organic Chemistry is like learning a new language where certain prefixes and suffixes will mean different things. Different ways of arranging bits and pieces will bring you to different variations of compounds. But just like a new language, the more you see it, […]
Reactions at the alpha carbonyl position with enolate intermediates occur in many reactions! This includes but is not limited to: Alpha-Halogenation, Haloform & Idoform tests, Aldol, Claisen Condensation and more. Once you grasp enolate anion formation, it’s reactivity and stability, you’ll have the clarity you need to master the upcoming reactions. This video also covers common enolate pKa […]
The true key to successful mastery of alkene reactions lies in practice practice practice. However, … [Read More...]
While the pre-2015 MCAT only tests you on science and verbal, you are still required to perform … [Read More...]
Chirality/Stereochemistry Video Series: Video 4 R and S configurations are pretty straight-forward … [Read More...]