Chirality is a tough organic chemistry topic. But if you’re reading this, you already know that. Be sure to watch my Chirality and Stereochemistry video series to make sense of chiral atoms, enantiomers, absolute configuration and finding R/S for simple and complex molecules. The cheat sheet below is meant to serve as a study guide […]
Stereochemistry of Amino Acids RS to DL
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 […]
How to Use Your Organic Chemistry Model Kit
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 […]
R and S configuration for Lengthy Complex Substituents
Chirality/Stereochemistry Video Series: Video 5 R and S configurations are found by ranking substituents on a chiral carbon. This is relatively straight-forward when substituents contain 1-3 atoms. This gets more confusing when the substituents are long, complex, and contain many of the same atoms. This orgo tutorial video shows you how to approach lengthy and […]
Chirality and Stereochemistry Practice Quiz
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 […]
Cis Trans and E Z Geometric Isomers
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 […]
Enantiomeric Excess Percent Optical Purity Calculations and Logic
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 […]
Fischer Projection Stereochemistry Finding R and S for Single and Multiple Chiral Centers
Finding chirality for a 2-dimensional Fischer projection can be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be. This video shows you how to prioritize and rank groups on a Fischer projection when you have one or more chiral center. This video also addresses chirality when group #4 (H) is not going down/into the page (click to […]
Specific Rotation Calculation in Optical Activity
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.) <– […]
Organic Chemistry Model Kit and Why You Should NOT Rely On It
If your professor says you can use your organic chemistry model kit on exams, I say DON’T. Don’t rely on it that is. Organic chemistry is a 3-dimensional subject that you learn on 2-dimensional paper. I know this sounds confusing but as an orgo student you’ll learn many tricks to work through 3-D problems on […]
