Organic Chemistry

Unit 1 – Structure and Bonding

Unit 2 – Polar Covalent Bonds; Acids and Bases

Unit 3 – Alkanes: Structure and Stereochemistry

Unit 4 – Cycloalkanes: Structure and Stereochemistry

Unit 5 – Stereochemistry at Tetrahedral Centers

Unit 6 – An Overview of Organic Reactions

Unit 7 – Alkenes – Structure and Reactivity

Unit 8 – Alkenes – Reactions and Synthesis

Unit 9 – Alkynes: Intro to Organic Synthesis

Unit 10 – Organohalides

Unit 11 – Alkyl Halide Reactions: Substitutions & Eliminations

Unit 12 – Mass Spec and IR Spectroscopy in Organic Chem

Unit 13 – NMR Spectroscopy for Structure Determination

Unit 14 – Conjugated Systems and UV Spectroscopy

Unit 15 – Benzene and Aromaticity

Unit 16 – Benzene: Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution

Unit 17 – Alcohols and Phenols

Unit 18 – Ethers, Epoxides, Thiols, and Sulfides

Unit 19 – Aldehydes & Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition

Unit 20 – Carboxylic Acids and Nitriles

Unit 21 – Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Acyl Substitution

Unit 22 – Carbonyl Alpha–Substitution Reactions

Unit 23 – Carbonyl Condensation Reactions

Unit 24 – Amines and Heterocycles

Unit 25 – Biomolecules – Carbohydrates

Unit 26 – Biomolecules: Amino Acids & Proteins

Unit 27 – Biomolecules – Lipids

Unit 28 – Biomolecules – Nucleic Acids

Unit 29 – Metabolic Pathways in Organic Chemistry

Unit 30 – Organic Chemistry: Pericyclic Reactions

Unit 31 – Synthetic Polymers

## What do you learn in Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry focuses on the study of compounds containing carbon. You'll explore the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, and carbonyl compounds. The course covers reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and synthesis of complex organic molecules. You'll also learn about spectroscopy and other analytical techniques used to identify organic compounds.

## Is Organic Chemistry hard?

Organic Chemistry has a reputation for being tough, and it's not entirely undeserved. The course requires a lot of memorization and the ability to visualize 3D molecular structures. Many students find it challenging because it's less about math and more about understanding concepts and applying them to new situations. That said, with consistent effort and practice, it's definitely conquerable.

## Tips for taking Organic Chemistry in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Draw, draw, draw! Practice sketching molecular structures regularly
3. Focus on understanding reaction mechanisms, not just memorizing them
4. Create flashcards for functional groups and common reactions
5. Form study groups to discuss concepts and work through problems together
6. Watch YouTube videos on tricky topics (Organic Chemistry Tutor is great)
7. Practice with molecular model kits to visualize 3D structures
8. Review spectroscopy data regularly (NMR, IR, Mass Spec)
9. Read "Organic Chemistry as a Second Language" by David Klein for extra help
10. Watch "Breaking Bad" for some (questionable) real-world applications of organic synthesis

## Common pre-requisites for Organic Chemistry

General Chemistry: This course covers fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and stoichiometry. It provides the foundation needed for organic chemistry.

Calculus I: While not always required, calculus helps in understanding reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. It introduces concepts of rates and integration that are useful in advanced chemistry courses.

## Classes similar to Organic Chemistry

Biochemistry: Explores the chemical processes within living organisms. You'll study the structure and function of biomolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Physical Chemistry: Combines principles of physics with chemistry. It covers thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and kinetics as applied to chemical systems.

Inorganic Chemistry: Focuses on the chemistry of non-carbon elements. You'll study the periodic table in depth, coordination compounds, and solid-state materials.

Analytical Chemistry: Deals with the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical substances. You'll learn various lab techniques and instrumentation used in chemical analysis.

## Majors related to Organic Chemistry

Chemistry: Covers all aspects of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Students gain a deep understanding of chemical principles and their applications in various fields.

Biochemistry: Combines chemistry and biology to study chemical processes in living organisms. Students explore the molecular basis of life, including DNA, proteins, and metabolic pathways.

Chemical Engineering: Applies principles of chemistry, physics, and math to design and optimize chemical processes. Students learn to develop and manage systems for producing chemicals, fuels, and consumer products.

Pharmacy: Focuses on the science of drugs and their effects on living systems. Students study drug design, synthesis, and how medications interact with the human body.

## What can you do with a degree in Organic Chemistry?

Pharmaceutical Researcher: Develops new drugs and medications. They work on synthesizing and testing potential drug candidates to treat various diseases.

Forensic Scientist: Analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes. They use organic chemistry techniques to identify substances like drugs, poisons, or trace evidence.

Materials Scientist: Creates and studies new materials with specific properties. They might develop new polymers, composites, or nanomaterials for various applications.

Flavor and Fragrance Chemist: Designs and creates new flavors and scents for food and cosmetic products. They synthesize and analyze organic compounds to produce desired tastes and aromas.

## Organic Chemistry FAQs

How important is lab work in Organic Chemistry? Lab work is crucial in Organic Chemistry. It helps you apply theoretical concepts and develop practical skills in synthesis and analysis.

Can I use a molecular modeling software instead of a physical model kit? While software can be helpful, physical model kits are often better for beginners. They provide a hands-on experience that's invaluable for understanding 3D molecular structures.

How much time should I dedicate to studying Organic Chemistry each week? Most students find success by dedicating 2-3 hours of study time for every hour of lecture. Consistent, daily practice is key to mastering the material.

Chemistry

1.1 Atomic Structure: The Nucleus

1.2 Atomic Structure: Orbitals

1.3 Atomic Structure: Electron Configurations

1.4 Development of Chemical Bonding Theory

1.5 Describing Chemical Bonds: Valence Bond Theory

1.6 sp3 Hybrid Orbitals and the Structure of Methane

1.7 sp3 Hybrid Orbitals and the Structure of Ethane

1.8 sp2 Hybrid Orbitals and the Structure of Ethylene

1.9 sp Hybrid Orbitals and the Structure of Acetylene

1.10 Hybridization of Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur

1.11 Describing Chemical Bonds: Molecular Orbital Theory

1.12 Drawing Chemical Structures

2.1 Polar Covalent Bonds and Electronegativity

2.2 Polar Covalent Bonds and Dipole Moments

2.3 Formal Charges

2.4 Resonance

2.5 Rules for Resonance Forms

2.6 Drawing Resonance Forms

2.7 Acids and Bases: The Brønsted–Lowry Definition

2.8 Acid and Base Strength

2.9 Predicting Acid–Base Reactions from pKa Values

2.10 Organic Acids and Organic Bases

2.11 Acids and Bases: The Lewis Definition

2.12 Noncovalent Interactions between Molecules

3.1 Functional Groups

3.2 Alkanes and Alkane Isomers

3.3 Alkyl Groups

3.4 Naming Alkanes

3.5 Properties of Alkanes

3.6 Conformations of Ethane

3.7 Conformations of Other Alkanes

4.1 Naming Cycloalkanes

4.2 Cis–Trans Isomerism in Cycloalkanes

4.3 Stability of Cycloalkanes: Ring Strain

4.4 Conformations of Cycloalkanes

4.5 Conformations of Cyclohexane

4.6 Axial and Equatorial Bonds in Cyclohexane

4.7 Conformations of Monosubstituted Cyclohexanes

4.8 Conformations of Disubstituted Cyclohexanes

4.9 Conformations of Polycyclic Molecules

5.1 Enantiomers and the Tetrahedral Carbon

5.2 The Reason for Handedness in Molecules: Chirality

5.3 Optical Activity

5.4 Pasteur’s Discovery of Enantiomers

5.5 Sequence Rules for Specifying Configuration

5.6 Diastereomers

5.7 Meso Compounds

5.8 Racemic Mixtures and the Resolution of Enantiomers

5.9 A Review of Isomerism

5.10 Chirality at Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur

5.11 Prochirality

5.12 Chirality in Nature and Chiral Environments

6.1 Kinds of Organic Reactions

6.2 How Organic Reactions Occur: Mechanisms

6.3 Polar Reactions

6.4 An Example of a Polar Reaction: Addition of HBr to Ethylene

6.5 Using Curved Arrows in Polar Reaction Mechanisms

6.6 Radical Reactions

6.7 Describing a Reaction: Equilibria, Rates, and Energy Changes

6.8 Describing a Reaction: Bond Dissociation Energies

6.9 Describing a Reaction: Energy Diagrams and Transition States

6.10 Describing a Reaction: Intermediates

6.11 A Comparison Between Biological Reactions and Laboratory Reactions

7.1 Industrial Preparation and Use of Alkenes

7.2 Calculating the Degree of Unsaturation

7.3 Naming Alkenes

7.4 Cis–Trans Isomerism in Alkenes

7.5 Alkene Stereochemistry and the E,Z Designation

7.6 Stability of Alkenes

7.7 Electrophilic Addition Reactions of Alkenes

7.8 Orientation of Electrophilic Additions: Markovnikov’s Rule

7.9 Carbocation Structure and Stability

7.10 The Hammond Postulate

7.11 Evidence for the Mechanism of Electrophilic Additions: Carbocation Rearrangements

8.1 Preparing Alkenes: A Preview of Elimination Reactions

8.2 Halogenation of Alkenes: Addition of X2

8.3 Halohydrins from Alkenes: Addition of HO-X

8.4 Hydration of Alkenes: Addition of H2O by Oxymercuration

8.5 Hydration of Alkenes: Addition of H2O by Hydroboration

8.6 Reduction of Alkenes: Hydrogenation

8.7 Oxidation of Alkenes: Epoxidation and Hydroxylation

8.8 Oxidation of Alkenes: Cleavage to Carbonyl Compounds

8.9 Addition of Carbenes to Alkenes: Cyclopropane Synthesis

8.10 Radical Additions to Alkenes: Chain-Growth Polymers

8.11 Biological Additions of Radicals to Alkenes

8.12 Reaction Stereochemistry: Addition of H2O to an Achiral Alkene

8.13 Reaction Stereochemistry: Addition of H2O to a Chiral Alkene

9.1 Naming Alkynes

9.2 Preparation of Alkynes: Elimination Reactions of Dihalides

9.3 Reactions of Alkynes: Addition of HX and X2

9.4 Hydration of Alkynes

9.5 Reduction of Alkynes

9.6 Oxidative Cleavage of Alkynes

9.7 Alkyne Acidity: Formation of Acetylide Anions

9.8 Alkylation of Acetylide Anions

9.9 An Introduction to Organic Synthesis

10.1 Names and Structures of Alkyl Halides

10.2 Preparing Alkyl Halides from Alkanes: Radical Halogenation

10.3 Preparing Alkyl Halides from Alkenes: Allylic Bromination

10.4 Stability of the Allyl Radical: Resonance Revisited

10.5 Preparing Alkyl Halides from Alcohols

10.6 Reactions of Alkyl Halides: Grignard Reagents

10.7 Organometallic Coupling Reactions

10.8 Oxidation and Reduction in Organic Chemistry

11.1 The Discovery of Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions

11.2 The SN2 Reaction

11.3 Characteristics of the SN2 Reaction

11.4 The SN1 Reaction

11.5 Characteristics of the SN1 Reaction

11.6 Biological Substitution Reactions

11.7 Elimination Reactions: Zaitsev’s Rule

11.8 The E2 Reaction and the Deuterium Isotope Effect

11.9 The E2 Reaction and Cyclohexane Conformation

11.10 The E1 and E1cB Reactions

11.11 Biological Elimination Reactions

11.12 A Summary of Reactivity: SN1, SN2, E1, E1cB, and E2

12.1 Mass Spectrometry of Small Molecules: Magnetic-Sector Instruments

12.2 Interpreting Mass Spectra

12.3 Mass Spectrometry of Some Common Functional Groups

12.4 Mass Spectrometry in Biological Chemistry: Time-of-Flight (TOF) Instruments

Browse all Organic Chemistry Key Terms

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