By resonance in organic chemistry we mean an interaction of multiple p-orbitals making a long π-bond spanning multiple atoms. A case of a simple π-bond results from the interaction of the two p-orbitals connecting two atoms. However, there are situations when three or more orbitals can interact making a much longer and much more complex …
You’ve probably heard about the hybridization in your general chemistry course and in the organic chemistry multiple times. So, what’s the fuss all about? We all know from general chemistry that the s-orbital is spherical, and p-orbitals are dumbbell-looking orbitals oriented along the x, y, and z axes of the Cartesian system. We also know …
Intermolecular forces are one of those topics in organic chemistry that helps to bring together the real world and the structures on paper. So, what are the intermolecular forces? The intermolecular forces are the weak forces that occur between the molecules. They are not as strong as chemical bonds. And they are not as permanent …
VSEPR stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory. VSEPR is an important part of the valence bond theory and is a logical next step in the use of the Lewis structures in organic chemistry. In this post, I’m only going to focus on the uncharged molecules. However, the formal charge doesn’t really change anything …
In this post, I want to talk about an interesting reaction of aldehydes called the benzoin condensation. The reaction name originates from the name of the product you get when you perform it on benzaldehyde alone. Ok, so here’s the general scheme for the benzoin condensation. Here we have a “classic” example of the benzoin …
In in this post I want to look at the difference between the nucleophiles and electrophiles, what those are, how to identify them in a reaction, and some common examples you’re going to see in your organic chemistry course. So, first off, let’s talk about what the nucleophiles and electrophiles are. What is a Nucleophile …
Formal charges in organic chemistry is, perhaps, one of the most fundamental bookkeeping devices which is often misunderstood or neglected by students. Why Formal Charges are Important in Organic Chemistry? Knowing formal charges can help us understand the reactivity patterns in reactions, find reactive centers, and make sense out of electron flow in the mechanisms. …
Enantiomers and diastereomers are the only two stereochemical relationships that you can have between any two molecules. The stereoisomers are any two molecules that fulfill the following two requirements: Both molecules must have the same molecular formula, and Both molecules must have the same atom connectivity. So, what’s the difference then? The molecules are stereoisomers …
Pinacol rearrangement is a specific elimination reaction that vicinal diols go through in acidic conditions. Unlike a typical E1 reaction that gives you an alkene, the pinacol rearrangement gives you an aldehyde or a ketone instead. Here’s the general scheme for the reaction: As you can see, the pinacol rearrangement also causes the carbon backbone …
