When it comes to organic chemistry reactions, many students focus on learning the EXACT steps by memorizing the SPECIFIC molecules presented in their books and lecture slides. Then, when something looks even slightly different on the exam, they panic! One such scenario: replacing water with alcohol in a reaction sequence – either as the attacking molecule or […]
During synthesis, protecting a reactant is a game changer. Without this ability, arriving at the correct product will be painful and sometimes near impossible. Utilizing a cyclic acetal protecting group is one of the handiest tools we can have in our synthesis arsenals. This video will so you a step-by-step detailed mechanism along with tips for redrawing, […]
Acetal and Hemiacetal mechanisms can be long, but when you UNDERSTAND each step you’ll be saved from a big headache and trouble from merely memorizing. This video walks you step-by-step through the acid catalyzed acetal formation reaction mechanism! You’ll see special attention on the acetal, hemiacetals, ketals, and hemiketals in the mechanism as well as […]
The quiz below requires some mastery in reactions, intermediates, and step-by-step mechanisms. Not ready? Start by gaining your foundation in the Acetal Tutorial Video Series! Scroll to the very bottom of this quiz for a link to the FREE quiz solutions PDF (Coming Soon!) to ensure you’ve got this down. The solutions walkthrough video is available in the […]
This video offers an overview and comparison between the acetal, ketal, hemiacetal, and hemiketal reactions including stability of products and intermediates. You’ll also learn my shortcut trick for quickly identifying carbonyl and alcohol reactants from products and acetal or ketal products from reactants. (Watch on YouTube: Acetal Overview.Click CC for transcription.) –> Watch Next […]
Specific Rotation calculations are a useful tool in optical activity. This video will help you understand the factors influencing specific rotation such as observed rotation, g/mL, path-length, wavelength, and temperature. You will see a detailed breakdown of the equation along with a few examples to follow along. (Watch on YouTube: Optics 2. Click CC for video transcription.) <– […]
The key to understanding physical properties of alcohol, including hydrogen bonding solubility and boiling point is to understand the structure and charge distribution within the alcohol functional group. This video will show you the behind-the-scenes intermolecular forces at work that affect alcohol’s ability to hydrogen bond for solubility in water, miscibility, and boiling point trends. You’ll […]
The key to mastering alcohol reactions is understanding WHY they react as they do. What about the OH functional group makes it want to attack or get attacked, as you will learn in later mechanisms? This video will give you a solid foundation to help you prepare to master the more advanced reactions starting with […]
Enantiomeric excess percentage (aka optical purity percentage) calculations are one of the few equations you’ll come across in your orgo course. This video gives you a step by step breakdown and practice examples. You’ll see how to find the percent excess via logic and see the numbers side by side. (Watch on YouTube: Optics 3. Click […]
Polarimetry is the key to understanding chiral molecules in terms of optical activity. This video goes behind the scenes of the polarimeter to help you understand what plane polarized light has to do with chiral molecules. Part 1 (of 3) in this mini series explains + D and – L, dextrorotatory and levorotatory, and their (lack […]
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