SN1 SN2 E1 Series: Video 9 This video is the first of 3 Unimolecular Nucleophilic Substitution reaction tutorials. This video breaks down the reaction, rate, and step by step mechanism for the SN1 reactions including a few simple examples to help you follow along. Pay special attention to the key identifyers of an SN1 reaction […]
Leaving Groups in Substitution and Elimination Reactions Part 1
SN1 SN2 E1 Series: Video 7 When determining between substitution and elimination reactions, the final step in the 4-part checklist involves the leaving group. Can it leave? Will it leave? (Watch on YouTube: Leaving Groups 1. Click CC on bottom right for transcript.) <– Watch Previous Video: Polar Protic, Aprotic, and Non-Polar Solvents in Substitution and […]
Polar Protic, Aprotic, and Non-Polar Solvents in Substitution and Elimination Reactions
SN1 SN2 E1 Series: Video 6 Solvents play a key role in SN1 SN2 E1 and E2 reactions. But instead of memorizing, I want you to understand what makes a solvent polar, and what makes a polar solvent protic or aprotic. By understanding how the solvent interacts with the intermediates you’ll have an easier time predicting […]
Nucleophile And Base Analysis Part 2
SN1 SN2 E1 Series: Video 5 Once you understand the similarities and differences between nucleophiles and bases, you need to understand how to differentiate the molecules that prefer to act as just one or the other. This video helps you understand strong bases that make weak nucleophiles and strong nucleophiles that are weak bases. (Watch […]
Alkyl Halide Carbon Chain Analysis for SN1 SN2 E1 E2 Reactions
SN1 SN2 E1 Series: Video 3 When determining between substitution and elimination reactions, the first and most important aspect to analyze is the alkyl chain. Understanding how the position of the leaving group impacts reactions will help you determine which reaction types are possible and which reactions to rule out. Watch this video for a […]
SN1 SN2 E1 E2 Reaction Mechanism Review
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 […]
Introduction To Nucleophilic Substitution and Beta Elimination Reactions
SN1 SN2 E1 Series: Video 1 Nucleophilic Substitution and Beta Elimination reactions are potentially the most difficult as compared to your organic chemistry 1 course. Why is it so difficult? Unlike your alkene or alkyne reactions, when it comes to SN1 SN2 E1 E2 reactions you have to focus on concepts and mechanisms. You have […]
Choosing SN1 SN2 E1 E2 Reaction Mechanism
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 […]
SN1 vs SN2 Practice Examples Part 2
This video features additional nucleophilic substitution examples showing you how to choose between SN1 and SN2 reactions. Learn how to choose the appropriate mechanism and product based on the provided starting molecule, leaving group, reacting nucleophile and solvent. (click HERE to watch this video on YouTube) Watch Next Video: E1 Reaction Rate and Mechanism […]
Alkly Halide Or Carbon Chain Analysis in Substitution and Elimination Reactions
Analysis of the alkyl halide or carbon chain is step 1 in my 4-part checklist when determining between SN1 SN2 E1 E2 reactions. Substitution and elimination reactions undergo different mechanisms to form different products. However, the reactions share a few common characteristics, including the fact that the leaving group is removed at some point during […]
