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
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
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
Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry
Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will learn what exactly functional groups are and why they are important in organic chemistry. You will also learn how to easily identify the different classes of groups in organic compounds in order to
Ether Functional Group
Core Concepts This tutorial is about the ether functional group. It will cover the structure of the ether group and the reactions that they participate in. Topics Covered in Other Articles What is the ether functional group? The ether group
Structure and Reactions of Alkenes
In this tutorial, you will learn all about the structure, nomenclature, and reactions of alkenes!
Alkene Additions
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about some of the most important addition reactions and mechanisms of alkenes, highlighting regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Understanding these processes is crucial for the design and synthesis of a wide array of organic
Reactivity of Organic Molecules
Condensation Reactions
Condensation reactions are common reactions in the organic chemistry laboratory. Learn what a condensation reaction is, some named condensation reactions, and see examples of the various condensation reactions. Vocabulary terms listed at the end for reference. What is a condensation
Radical Reactions
Core Concepts A radical reaction is characterized by the involvement of highly reactive species called radicals. Radical reactions are a fundamental class of chemical reaction. In this article, we will explore their mechanisms, specifically focusing on the initiation, propagation, and
Directing Effects
When an aromatic ring gains multiple substituents, the ring’s existing substituent(s) determine where the incoming substituents bond.
Catalytic Hydrogenation
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about the reagents, mechanisms, stereochemistry, and applications of Catalytic Hydrogenation. We will explore the different products of this reaction depending on the different starting materials. We will discuss various examples of how
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
Hammond Postulate
Core Concepts In this article you will be able to understand the Hammond Postulate, after reading this, you will understand its importance in organic chemistry! Related Topics Hammond Postulate According to the postulate, which George Hammond first put forth in
Named Reactions
Robinson Annulation
Core Concepts The Robinson Annulation is a reaction that combines two other mechanisms in organic chemistry, the Michael Addition and an intramolecular aldol condensation, to create a new six membered ring containing an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone. Topics Covered in Other Articles
Diels-Alder Reaction
Core Concepts In this organic chemistry tutorial, you will learn the basics of the Diels-Alder reaction, including the chemistry of its products and reactants, its mechanism, its regioselectivity, and some important reaction variants. Topics Covered in Other Articles Resonance Structures
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
Claisen Condensation
Core Concepts In this article, we learn about the Claisen Condensation, an important organic reaction, including its mechanism, its important variants, and its use in biology. Topics Covered in Other Articles What is a Claisen condensation? In organic chemistry, a
The Wittig Reaction
Core Concepts In this organic chemistry tutorial, you will learn what the Wittig reaction is, and how it compares to other organic chemistry reactions you may have seen. You will also learn about the Wittig reagent and its uses. Topics
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