The key to mastering chirality and stereochemistry is through practice, practice, and more practice. But where do you get all those practice problems? After reviewing the videos in my Chirality and Stereochemistry series, and working through the simple questions in each, see how well you’ve mastered the material by trying my Stereochemistry Practice Quiz below. The […]
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.) <– […]
An organic chemistry model kit will be a huge help to understanding this difficult 3-dimensional topic. But where do you draw the line between effective study aid and tedious annoying time-wasting-on-exam crutch? In this video I’ll walk you through how to use your organic chemistry model kit. From the unboxing of my go-to Molecular Visions Model […]
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 […]
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 […]
Your organic chemistry course will cover many different types of isomers. Isomers have the same molecular formula but something about them is different. Geometric isomers, a type of stereoisomer, differ in their geometry or shape. This happens when substituents are LOCKED in a specific relationship to each other. I say locked because, unlike conformational isomers in […]
Amino acids are biologically active molecules. 19 of the 20 common amino acids have a chiral alpha carbon, 2 amino acids (Leucine and Threonine) have a second chiral center in their side chain. This video shows you how to Find R/S for 3-D amino acids Find R/S and D/L for amino acid Fischer projections Trick […]
Chirality/Stereochemistry Video Series: Video 3 This video shows you why and how to reverse R and S when group #4 is forward to help you quickly and easily master relative configurations when studying chirality and stereochemistry. (Watch on YouTube: Group 4. Click cc on bottom right for video transcription.) <– Watch Previous Video: R and […]
Chirality/Stereochemistry Video Series: Video 6 Fischer projections provide a simple 2-dimensional representation for complex 3-dimensional structures. Which is great for drawing complex molecules, but not so much fun if asked to determine R and S configurations. Many books and professors will have you redraw the Fischer projection into a 3-dimensional sawhorse or skeletal structure. I […]
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