An Arrow-Pushing Dilemma In Concerted Reactions
Up to now, drawing out reaction mechanisms using the curved arrow formalism has been fairly straightforward. Yes, sometimes there is some ambiguity with respect to
Read morearrow pushing
Learning New Reactions: How Do The Electrons Move?
The most important question when learning a new reaction is recognizing “What Bonds Form, What Bonds Break?” If that’s #1, then what’s the second most
Read moreEvaluating Resonance Forms (4): Positive Charges
As I mentioned before, the resonance form(s) of lowest energy are those where the charges are minimized. However, sometimes you can’t get around it: you
Read moreBook Review: “Arrow Pushing in Organic Chemistry” by Daniel E. Levy
One common refrain of educators (and others) who teach organic chemistry is “don’t memorize! understand what’s going on”. For someone who is new to studying
Read moreExploring Resonance: Pi-acceptors
Last time I talked about π donation and π donors, which are atoms capable of forming a new π bond with an adjoining C-C π bond.
Read moreIn Summary: Resonance
Four key factors that determine the importance of resonance forms in organic chemistry are: Rule #1: Minimize charges Rule #2: Full octets are favored Rule
Read more