In Summary: Evaluating Resonance Structures
The Four Key Factors In Evaluating Resonance Structures Not all resonance forms are of equal importance. So how do we evaluate how “important” each resonance
Read moreHow to Succeed In Orgo: Collected Advice
The course syllabus is that sheet of paper you get on the first day of class that explains what the grading scheme is, the course
Read more10@10/10/10
This is a self indulgent post. Today, October 10, 2010, marks the 10th anniversary of the day I became an organic chemist. Life works in
Read moreCommon Mistakes in Organic Chemistry: Pentavalent Carbon
Pentavalent (a.k.a. “Texas”) Carbons So what are some of the most common mistakes we can make in organic chemistry? Given the relatively qualitative nature of
Read moreDrawing Resonance Structures: 3 Common Mistakes To Avoid
How To Draw Resonance Structures: Avoiding Common Mistakes No discussion of resonance structures would be complete without mention of how to royally screw them up. This
Read moreAcid Base Reactions Are Fast
Acid-Base Reactions Are Generally Faster Than Substitution Or Addition Reactions Here is a very common dilemma in organic chemistry as you move through the latter parts
Read moreThe Most Annoying Exceptions in Org 1 (Part 1)
One of the common complaints you hear a lot from people learning English is that there are just so many exceptions. The plural of “goose”
Read moreHow to apply electronegativity and resonance to understand reactivity
Understanding “Where Are The Electrons” Is Essential To Understanding Why Reactions Happen The Way They Do One thing has been missing from the discussion of
Read morepKa Values Span 60 Orders Of Magnitude
Putting Acidity In Perspective One concept that always seems to have a hard time getting through is that of pKa. No matter how many times
Read moreThe Power of Laziness
What would you do to save 5 seconds? Let’s say it takes 10 minutes to walk from the gym to class. Would it matter much
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