Organic Chemistry
Recent Articles
Metal-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about the importance of metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, their mechanisms, and classic examples used in organic chemistry. Introduction Cross-coupling reactions are a cornerstone of organic chemistry. They help in the formation of carbon-carbon
Sulfur in the Spotlight: Organosulfur Compounds
Core Concepts In this article, you will gain an overview of organosulfur compounds, their diverse structures, and their unique behaviors. You will also explore the many applications of organosulfur compounds, which are essential to modern science, various industries, and everyday
From Simple Building Blocks to Complex Hormones: A Convergent Synthesis Route to Progesterone
Progesterone is a heroic hormone with a huge impact on our health. It’s essential to certain functions, so how do we synthesize it?
Photochemistry
Core Concepts Photochemistry is the study of chemical reactions, processes, and mechanisms initiated by light. This article explores the fundamentals of photochemistry, its applications, and the significance it holds in both nature and technology. Basics of Photochemistry When a molecule
Wurtz Reaction
Core Concepts This article will explore the Wurtz reaction, covering its mechanism, limitations, and the conditions required for the reaction to take place. Introduction The Wurtz reaction is a chemical reaction where two alkyl halides react with sodium metal in
Aspirin Synthesis
Core Concepts In this article, we will discuss the steps in synthesizing Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), its applications, and its reaction mechanism. Introduction Bayer chemist Felix Hoffmann synthesized aspirin for the first time in 1897. Originally an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin became crucial
Structure
Organic Acids and Bases
Core Concepts This article will describe organic acids, organic bases, and how to differentiate their strength. Organic Acids Organic acids are molecules that contain carbon and can donate a proton. The general formula is as follows: HA (aq) + H2O
Inductive Effect
Core Concepts This article will explain a phenomenon in organic chemistry known as the inductive effect. This concept plays a significant role in determining the reactivity and stability of different molecules and compounds. After reading this article, you will be
Strain in Organic Chemistry
Core Concepts Strain is an important concept in organic chemistry, often the most important factor in determining molecular structure. In this article, we explore the different types of strain and how each affects structure and molecular energy. Topics Covered on
Line Structures
Core Concepts In this article, we will discuss line structures and their applications in organic chemistry. Topics Covered in Other Articles Introduction to Line Structures In chemistry, there are multiple ways to represent the composition and/or structure of a compound
Arrow Pushing
Core Concepts In this article, we will explore common forms of arrow pushing that are seen in organic chemistry, both intermolecular and intramolecular. We will also consider its uses and importance. Related Articles Arrow Pushing Basics Arrow pushing is the
Alkene Carbocation Stability
Core Concepts In this article, we will explore the stability of carbocations in alkenes via substitution and rearrangement, including stabilizing factors such as resonance. Topics Covered in Other Articles Definitions Substitution and Stability The number of carbon substituents attached to
Functional Groups
Alkyl Halide Functional Group
Core Concepts The alkyl halide functional group, also called haloalkanes, is one of the most useful and common functional groups. This article talks about the structure of alkyl halides and some of their reactions and properties. Topics Covered in Other
Aromatic Compounds
Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will learn what makes a compound aromatic, the power of aromaticity, common examples of aromaticity, anti-aromatic compounds, and important aromatic ring reactions. Topics Covered In Other Articles Vocabulary Aromaticity Aromatic compounds consist of compounds
Carboxylic Acid Derivatives and their Reactions
Core Concepts Carboxylic acid is a common functional group (RCOOH) that, when reacted with other molecules, become carboxylic acid derivatives. These are a group of functional groups that are nearly identical to carboxylic acid itself, but instead with a different
Keto-Enol Tautomerization
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about keto-enol tautomerization, including the meaning of “tautomerization,” trends in enol stability, and important mechanisms under acidic and basic conditions. Topics Covered in Other Articles What is Keto-Enol Tautomerization? Keto-enol tautomerization is
Acid Chloride Functional Group
Core Concepts This article serves as a guide to the acid chloride functional group in organic chemistry. After reading this article, you will be able to understand and describe the naming conventions of acid chlorides, how they are synthesized, the
Organometallic Chemistry, Compounds, and Reactions
Core Concepts of Organometallic Chemistry Organometallic chemistry refers to the use of a metal bond to a carbon atom. This article covers the different metals and complexes involved in organometallic chemistry and their uses. Topics Covered in Other Articles Introduction
Reactivity of Organic Molecules
Alkyne Synthesis
Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will learn about the reagents used and mechanisms involved in synthesizing alkynes. Related Articles Dehydrohalogenation The main method by which alkynes are synthesized are via dehydrohalogenation reactions. These reactions are a type of elimination
Understanding E1 vs E2 Reactions
Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will learn 6 ways to distinguish between the two elimination reactions, E1 vs E2. Be sure to understand the reactions themselves before going through this tutorial! Check out the articles on E1 Elimination and
Cycloaddition Reactions
Cycloaddition Core Concepts A cycloaddition is a type of reactions which combines different molecules or different parts of the same reaction to create a closed loop. Topics Covered in Other Articles Cycloaddition Nomenclature Cycloadditions are reactions that form new loops
Sn1 Reaction
Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will learn about the first type of nucleophilic substitution reaction – sn1 – by looking at its mechanism and going through an example. Topics Covered in Other Articles What is a nucleophile What is
Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about different types of the nucleophilic substitution reaction and how the nucleophilic substitution mechanism works. We’ll also cover what distinguishes SN2 vs. SN1, with some practice problems for you at the end!
Ozonolysis
Core Concepts This article serves as an in-depth guide to what the ozonolysis reaction is in organic chemistry. After reading this article, you will be able to understand and describe its reaction mechanism, its applications in the real world, and
Named Reactions
Wolff–Kishner Reduction Reaction
In this organic chemistry tutorial, you will learn about the Wolff–Kishner reduction reaction and its mechanism.
What is Fischer Esterification?
Fischer Esterification Fischer Esterification is an organic chemical reaction that reacts a carboxylic acid group with an alcohol group to form an ester. Esterification is defined as any reaction that produces an ester. Fischer Esterification is one of the most
Friedel-Crafts Acylation and Alkylation
Core Concepts In this tutorial on the Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, you will learn about the purposes of both reactions. Furthermore, you will learn about the way resonance stabilization affects the reaction mechanism. We will also discuss the similarities
Metal-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about the importance of metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, their mechanisms, and classic examples used in organic chemistry. Introduction Cross-coupling reactions are a cornerstone of organic chemistry. They help in the formation of carbon-carbon
Gilman Reagents
Core Concepts This article serves as a guide to Gilman reagents in organic chemistry. After reading this article, you will be able to understand and describe what they are, their reaction mechanisms, why they are important, their advantages and limitations
Michael Addition
Core Concepts Michael Addition is a useful reaction for adding a carbon-carbon bond between an alkene and an electron-depleted carbon. Topics Covered in Other Articles Overview of the Michael Addition Michael additions are a very useful reaction in the toolbox
