Spectroscopy and Synthesis Quizzes
Hey All! If the site has had a consistent weak spot over the past few years, it’s been in the realms of spectroscopy and synthesis.
Read moreAcetylides from Alkynes, And Substitution Reactions of Acetylides
Alkylation of acetylides Terminal alkynes have unusually acidic C–H bonds (pKa 25). Treatment with a strong base such as sodium amide (NaNH2) gives an acetylide,
Read moreE and Z Notation For Alkenes (+ Cis/Trans)
E and Z Notation For Alkenes Unlike C–C single bonds, C–C double bonds can’t undergo rotation without breaking the pi bond One consequence of this
Read moreAlkene Stability
Alkene Stability (And Instability) What factors affect alkene stability? If you’ve studied elimination reactions, no doubt you’ve learned about Zaitsev’s Rule – about how elimination
Read moreAlkene Addition Reactions: “Regioselectivity” and “Stereoselectivity” (Syn/Anti)
Alkene Addition Reactions: Regioselectivity and Stereoselectivity Almost all reactions of alkenes we will learn about can be classified as addition reactions In an alkene addition
Read moreKeto-Enol Tautomerism
An extensive introduction to keto-enol tautomerism in aldehydes and ketones, with mechanisms, quizzes, key concepts, references and more.
Read moreNucleophilic Acyl Substitution (With Negatively Charged Nucleophiles)
Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution (With Negatively Charged Nucleophiles) Yes, there are a lot of reactions of carboxylic acid derivatives to learn! In this article we’ll explore
Read moreAddition-Elimination Mechanisms With Neutral Nucleophiles (Including Acid Catalysis)
The Second-Most Important Mechanism In Carbonyl Chemistry – Carbonyl Elimination The reverse of nucleophilic addition to the C=O bond (giving a tetrahedral intermediate) is elimination
Read moreCommon Mistakes: Formal Charges Can Mislead
Sometimes The “Formal Charge” Does Not Accurately Represent The Electron Density Around An Atom! Formal charges have their plusses and minuses. Har har. In many
Read morePartial Charges Give Clues About Electron Flow
There’s a hidden layer of detail beneath chemical structures that students new to organic chemistry often miss. I’m talking about partial charges. Although each of
Read more