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
What is Carbonyl Oxidation?
Core Concepts This article will cover key properties of the carbonyl group and what reactions this group participates in, particularly the oxidation reaction. From nucleophilic addition to carboxylic acid synthesis, carbonyl group oxidation remains a crucial mechanism in organic chemistry.
Carboxylic Acid Derivatives and their Reactions
Core Concepts Carboxylic acid is a common functional group (RCOOH) that, when reacted with other molecules, become carboxylic acid derivatives. These are a group of functional groups that are nearly identical to carboxylic acid itself, but instead with a different
Amination Reactions
Core Concepts In this article we will talk about amines and their respective properties, with a focus on the different types of amination reactions that they can participate in. Topics Covered in Other Articles Amine Functional Group Friedel Crafts Acylation
Carbene
Core Concepts In this topic you will learn about properties of the difference between singlet and triplet carbene, their generation and properties. Topics Covered In Other Articles What are Carbenes? Carbenes are divalent (covalently bonded to two other atoms or
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
Carboxyl Functional Group
Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will learn about the carboxyl functional group and its properties. You will also learn about several examples of carboxyl’s and how it correlates to other functional groups. Topics Covered in Other Articles What is
Reactivity of Organic Molecules
E1 Elimination Reaction
Elimination Reaction – Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will be introduced to a type of reaction in organic chemistry, the elimination reaction. More specifically, you will learn about one type of elimination reaction, E1, by walking through the mechanism
Alkyne Addition Reactions
In this article, we will review various alkyne addition reactions for terminal and internal alkynes, including the steps, reactants, and final products. Related Articles What is an alkyne? An alkyne is a functional group made up of two Carbon atoms
Olefin Metathesis
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about the reagents, mechanisms, and application of the Olefin Metathesis. This reaction is a versatile and powerful tool in organic synthesis, enabling the construction of complex molecular architectures with precision. Introduction We
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
Aldol Condensation Reaction
Core Concepts In this organic chemistry tutorial, you will learn the basics of the aldol condensation reaction, its mechanisms, the enol intermediate, and the Claisen Condensation. Topics Covered in Other Articles What is the Aldol Condensation? The aldol condensation involves
Sn1 Reaction
Core Concepts In this tutorial, you will learn about the first type of nucleophilic substitution reaction – sn1 – by looking at its mechanism and going through an example. Topics Covered in Other Articles What is a nucleophile What is
Named Reactions
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
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
Gilman Reagents
Core Concepts This article serves as a guide to Gilman reagents in organic chemistry. After reading this article, you will be able to understand and describe what they are, their reaction mechanisms, why they are important, their advantages and limitations
Clemmensen Reduction
Core Concepts In this article, you will learn about an important reaction in organic chemistry known as Clemmensen Reduction. You will be able to understand the connection between this reaction and other reactions like the Friedel–Crafts alkylation and its benefits
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
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
