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 […]
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 […]
Functional Groups How To Draw, Recognize and Name
Organic Chemistry Functional Groups: A Complete Guide to Recognizing, Drawing, and Naming (+ Priority Cheat Sheet at bottom) A functional group is a specific group of atoms that helps determine the chemistry and reactivity of the overall molecule. When classifying functional groups, we look at both the specific atoms present, as well as the manner […]
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, […]
Cyclohexane Ring Flip and Boat Conformation
Cyclohexanes are most stable in the chair conformation. This requires a ring flip to interconvert between the 2 chair conformations, with some funky (boat) intermediates. This video walks you through the ring flip and boat conformations both with a model kit as well as how to draw the ring flip and boat on paper. (Watch […]
What To Expect in Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is one of the most difficult sciences you’ll take in undergrad. Many students fail and have to take it again. You’ve heard the rumors. Perhaps you don’t believe them, or perhaps you’re terrified. But what can you actually do about them? The first step to conquering an unknown beast is understanding it. By […]
Cyclohexane Chair to Double Newman Quiz Challenge Question
This video walks you through the Chair Conformations Practice Quiz bonus question B – Converting a cyclohexane chair conformation to double Newman Projections. Practice is ESSENTIAL to mastering Organic Chemistry. You have to be able to apply the skills you are learning. First, complete the Cyclohexane Chair Conformations Practice Quiz, and then watch this video where I go over the Challenge Question […]
Carbocation Stability and Ranking
Carbocations arise so frequently in Organic Chemistry that recognizing them must become second nature. After reading this tutorial, you should be able to eyeball a molecule and determine where a carbocation is likely to form as well as its potential stability. This will help you master carbocation intermediate reactions down the line including Markovnikov alkene addition […]
Cyclohexane Chair Conformations Axial and Equatorial Stability
“Why does cyclohexane have to be in a chair conformation? How do I know which carbon goes up or down?” Learn this and more in video 1 of the chair conformation series. Learn how to recognize a chair, what it represents (with a model kit and on paper) and the nature of axial and equatorial substituents. (Watch […]
Resonance Structures Organic Chemistry Tutorial Video
Orgo Basics Video Series: Video 6 Resonance structures are alternative Lewis structures for a molecule or an ion. To draw the resonance hybrid or structures, we are moving electrons between adjacent atoms. Overwhelmed? In the video below, you will see an explanation and illustration of resonance structures and resonance hybrids step-by-step. This will help you visualize […]
