Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
• Method 2 of 3: Lesson Guidance
• Method 3 of 3: Seeking Help
• Tips

Organic chemistry does not have a very good reputation - many have heard terrible stories about this subject from students more than once, long before they themselves began to get acquainted with it. Indeed, the subject is not easy, but it cannot be called terrible either. In organic chemistry, you need to know more about the material than just memorize it, and this is the key to successfully passing the exam.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

1. 1 Get to know the term "organic chemistry". Organic chemistry studies carbon based chemical compounds... Carbon is the sixth element of the periodic table and one of the most important building blocks that make up all life on earth. Living organisms are made up of molecules that contain carbon. This means that organic chemistry also studies the chemical processes that take place in your body every day. In addition, it also includes chemical processes in animal organisms, in plants and in natural ecosystems.
   • However, organic chemistry is not limited to living things only. For example, chemical reactions that occur when burning fossil fuels are also classified as organic chemistry, since these reactions interact with organic substances in the fuel.
2. 2 Learn to portray molecules. In organic chemistry, visual perception is much more important than in general chemistry. You will be drawing molecules and compounds more often than in general chemistry classes, so it is important to learn how to decipher and understand these drawings.
   • You are already familiar with the Lewis structure - this is taught in general chemistry classes. In a Lewis structure, atoms in a molecule are denoted by their chemical symbol (that is, a letter on the periodic table). Lines are bonds between atoms, and dots are valence electrons. WikiHow has articles on this topic.
   • Likely oh skeletal formula you haven't heard yet. In the skeletal formula, carbon atoms are not depicted - there is only a line that is used to indicate a bond. Since there are so many carbon atoms in organic chemistry, drawing molecules is much faster. Atoms of other elements are represented by their chemical symbols. Detailed information on skeletal formula can be found on this site.
3. 3 Learn to portray connections. Most often you will deal with covalent bonds, although you will also need to know what an ionic bond is. In a covalent bond, two atoms exchange unpaired electrons. If there are extra unpaired electrons, double and triple compounds appear.
   • Both in the Lewis structure and in the skeletal formula, single bonds are depicted by one line, double - double, triple - triple.
   • In the skeletal formula, the bonds between carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) are not drawn, since they are very common.
   • Except in special cases, atoms can have 8 valence electrons (that is, electrons in the outer shell). Thus, most often an atom can combine with a maximum of four other atoms.
4. 4 Learn the basics of 3D molecular structure. In organic chemistry, you will need to represent molecules as they exist. in reality, not just as in the picture. Molecules are three-dimensional formations. The shape of the molecule determines the type of bonds in it, although other factors can influence this. It is important to remember the following:
   • Carbon bonded to other atoms by single bonds will have the form tetrahedron (tetrahedral pyramid). An example is the methane molecule (CH₄).
   • Carbon bonded to another double bond atom and to two single bond atoms has the form flat triangle... An example is the CO ion₃.
   • Carbon bonded to two double bond atoms or one triple bond atom is straight line... An example is carbon dioxide - CO₂.
5. 5 Learn to recognize orbital hybridization. It sounds scary, but it's not as difficult as it seems. Hybrid orbitals is a way of mapping the valence electrons of an atom based on the behavior of the atom (not a diagram). If an atom has several unpaired electrons, but prefers to form a different number of bonds, it is considered to have hybrid orbitals.
   • Carbon exemplifies this behavior. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons: two in the 2s orbital and two unpaired in the 2p orbital. Since an atom has two unpaired electrons, it can be assumed that it forms two bonds. However, as a result of experiments, it was found that bonds form paired electrons in the 2s orbital. Thus, carbon has 4 unpaired electrons in the sp hybrid orbital.
6. 6 Learn the basics of electronegativity. There are many factors that can influence how molecules interact, but electronegativity is considered one of the most important factors. Electronegativity is a way of measuring how hard an atom holds its electrons. Atoms with high electronegativity hold electrons more strongly, while those with low electronegativity are weaker. WikiHow has articles on this topic.
   • As you move up and to the right in the periodic table, the electronegativity of atoms increases (with the exception of hydrogen and helium). Fluorine, the extreme element in the upper right corner, has maximum electronegativity.
   • As electronegative atoms tend to get more electrons, they try to grab onto all the available electrons of other molecules. For example, chlorine and fluorine atoms often become negative ions because they take electrons from other atoms.

Method 2 of 3: Lesson Guidance

1. 1 Do not be afraid. There will be many new concepts in organic chemistry, and you will look at some of the phenomena from a different angle.You will need to memorize many new words. Don't worry - everyone in your group will go through it. Study hard and ask for help if you need it and you will be fine.
   • Don't let the "horror stories" of students who took the organic chemistry exam intimidate you. Students often take pride in how difficult it was for them. If on the first test you think that you have an impossible task in front of you, it will be even more difficult for you. It is better to exercise a lot and get a good sleep on the eve of the test.
2. 2 Try to understand, not memorize. You will watch hundreds of different reactions. It's almost impossible to memorize them all, so don't try to memorize them. You better focus on basic principles most common reactions. Many reactions follow the same scenario, so understand it and know how to apply it, and this will allow you to solve equations without problems.
   • If you have a good memory, use it. Write the basic reaction mechanisms on flashcards and memorize them. Of course, you will have to change the approach to the equation if you see a reaction that you have not seen before, but knowing the basic principles of reactions will help you solve such an equation too.
3. 3 Know the required functional groups. Organic chemistry uses the same set of structures in virtually all molecules. These structures are called functional groups. If you learn to recognize them and know how they behave in reactions, you will be able to cope with chemistry problems. Since functional groups usually always react the same way, knowing their properties will help you with a wide variety of exercises.
   • There are a lot of functional groups in organic chemistry, and it is impossible to list everything in this article. Finding tutorials on this topic is not difficult. For example, you can read about it here.
4. 4 When in doubt, watch the movement of the electrons. At a basic level, reactions in organic chemistry typically involve the exchange of electrons between two or more molecules. If you don't know where to start in the reaction, think about where the electrons would go. In other words, look for atoms that can accept electrons and atoms that can donate them. Exchange electrons and think about what you need to do to bring the molecules to a stable state.
   • For example, oxygen (O) is more electronegative than carbon, so oxygen with a double bond to the carbon in the ketone group will try to pull electrons closer to itself. This will give carbon a partially positive charge and will be able to accept electrons. If an element that is ready to donate electrons participates in the reaction, it can attack oxygen and form a new bond, resulting in a chemical reaction.
5. 5 Prepare for tests and do your homework in groups. Do not feel that you have to study alone - try to team up with classmates. They will help you understand what is difficult for you, and if you yourself explain something to others, you will better remember the material.

Method 3 of 3: Seeking Help

1. 1 Meet your teacher. The person who teaches it knows the most about this subject, so check out this resource. Ask the teacher to explain to you what you do not understand. Ask precise and clear questions and explain what is especially difficult for you. Be prepared to explain your thoughts if you give the wrong answer.
   • Don't bother the teacher if you don't have a clear question. If you just say that you do not understand the homework assignment, it will not help you in any way.
   • It is important not only to get answers to questions, but also to get to know the teacher. Remember that good grades will come in handy for you. Teachers are much more supportive of those who turn to them for help.
2. 2 Use auxiliary materials to visualize tasks. In organic chemistry, the shape of molecules affects how they react. Since it is difficult to depict three-dimensional molecules on a plane, you can use three-dimensional figures when working with complex structures.
   • Molecule kits allow you to create 3D models from plastic shapes. They are not cheap, but they are usually in the chemistry classroom and can be used.
   • If you don't have the opportunity to use a special set, try building models from balls, markers and wooden sticks.
   • There are special computer programs (for example, this one) that allow you to build three-dimensional models.
3. 3 Search the forums for answers to your questions. Fortunately, on the Internet, many are looking for the information they need on organic chemistry, and there are people there who have the answers. There are forums dedicated to organic chemistry where difficult topics are discussed. Try posting a problem you can't solve and chat with people who will volunteer to help you.
   • If you speak English, chemicalforums.com is for you.
4. 4 Use the information on the Internet resources about organic chemistry. There are many websites dedicated to this topic. Below we provide a list of such resources (in English):
   • Khan Academy: Here are videos of lectures on a variety of topics.
   • Chem Helper: There are workout tests, forums, reaction descriptions and other information. You will also find information on working in the laboratory here.
   • University of South Carolina Aiken: Here is a list of useful links to many topics within organic chemistry.

Tips

• The more time you devote to organic chemistry, the better you will know the subject. Try to set aside at least an hour to study chemistry every day, because regularity is as important as the amount of time you spend.
• Basic knowledge of physics will be helpful in understanding many topics in organic chemistry. Try to devote enough time to this subject.
• WikiHow has articles to help you solve chemistry problems.