Where Memorization Helps in O-Chem
Although in my last post I basically poo-poohed memorization as a study strategy, I don’t mean to imply that it does not have its place.
Read moreLearning vs. Memorization In Organic Chemistry
“Learn the concepts! Don’t memorize!”. It’s one of the most common sentences found in the many examples of instructors’ essays on “How to Succeed in
Read moreBlogaversary
Feb 18, 2010: Wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my career. I wanted to teach, but after two years of failed academic
Read moreBranching, and Its Affect On Melting and Boiling Points
The Effect of Branching On Melting and Boiling Points Recall that alkanes are hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH(n+2) Isomers of hydrocarbons show regular trends
Read moreThe World’s Cheapest Molecular Model Kit
I see a lot of students who have trouble visualizing how molecules appear from different directions. Probably the best way to solve this problem is
Read moreA 3-Step Method For Thinking Through Synthesis Problems
Part 1 – Synthesis Let’s start talking about synthesis. Guess where I’m going to start? You might think, “what bonds form, and what bonds break?”.
Read moreWhy Do Organic Chemists Use Kilocalories?
What’s the deal with organic chemists using kilocalories (kcal) instead of kilojoules (kJ)? The metric system, of System Internationale (SI) was first adopted in France
Read moreThe Principle of Least Effort
It’s a common misconception that the sciences are impersonal and somehow “less human” than, well, the “humanities”. I beg to differ. Is there any trait
Read morePutting It Together
I have a lot of students ask me about how to do synthesis. Today, I’ll share with you a 3-step method I suggest to them,
Read moreWhat’s a Racemic Mixture?
What’s A Racemic Mixture? A racemic mixture is an equimolar mixture of two enantiomers that is optically inactive. In this article we break down what a racemic mixture is, and give plenty
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