Author: admin
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Exceptions to the Octet Rule? Hexamethylbenzene Dication
Did you know that carbon was allegedly found to engage in six bonds? The strange hexamethylbenzene dication has attracted significant attention due to structure featuring a hyper-coordinated carbon. But can carbon be hypervalent? Interactive 3D model of the hexamethylbenzene dication To add more confusion, this system is apparently like a transition-metal complex – though no…
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Diels Alder Reaction Mechanism, Orbitals & Examples
The Diels Alder reaction is a [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between a conjugated diene and a dienophile. Here we explain its mechanism, orbital theory, stereoselectivity and endo rule using 3D models and examples. 3D model: Diene (top – ignore the tilt, it’s drunk) and dienophile (bottom) approaching for a Diels Alder reaction. Can you see the…
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Wittig Reaction Mechanism & Examples
The Wittig reaction is an olefination reaction in organic chemistry. Let’s explain its mechanism and stereoselectivity using some examples and 3D models! Interactive 3D model of methylenetriphenylphosphorane (simplest Wittig reagent) Wittig reaction mechanism Step 1 – Wittig reagent generation: Every Wittig reaction is based on a carbonyl compound and a Wittig reagent. This is a…
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Troc Protecting group Mechanism & (De)Protection
The Troc protecting group protects amines and alcohols from acid, base and electrophiles. It is deprotected by reduction. Troc (also 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl) is a really exotic but versatile protecting group. Let’s learn why. What is the Troc Protecting Group? Troc (2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl) can convert amines or alcohols into stable carbamate or carbonate derivatives. This leads to a…
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THP Protecting Group (Tetrahydropyranyl Ether)
The THP protecting group protects alcohols as THP ethers that are stable to electrophiles, bases and other reagents. It is acid labile. THP is a much less common hydroxyl protecting group than silyl-based ones like TBS. It’s very simple but still has a unique nature and mechanism. What is the THP Protecting Group? Tetrahydropyranyl ethers…
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Acetal Protecting Group & Mechanism
The acetal protecting group protects carbonyls from bases, nucleophiles and hydride reduction. Among many variants, most common are dimethyl acetals, 1,3-dioxolanes and 1,3-dioxanes. There is no single acetal protecting group! Rather, this is a broader family of similar protecting groups. Let’s check out the properties and mechanisms of acetal protection and deprotection. What is the…
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🧠 Is Organic Chemistry Hard? (Spoiler: Kinda)
“Why do they call it organic chemistry? Nothing about this feels natural.”A student, somewhere out there Organic chemistry is often perceived as one of the most challenging subjects for students. Unfortunately, this creates a lot of anxiety and misconceptions about its complexity and requirements, particularly for students in adjacent fields like medicine, pharmacy or biology.…
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Trityl Protecting Group: Trityl Chloride Protection & Deprotection
The trityl protecting group protects alcohols and amines, and can be deprotected with acids like acetic acid or TFA. The trityl group is another acid-labile protecting group that might remind you of Boc! Here we explain the “standard” trityl and exciting, more advanced versions! What is the Trityl Protecting Group? Trityl stands for triphenylmethyl, a…
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Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry: Introduction
Functional groups are the foundation of organic chemistry as they define the structure, reactivity, and properties of organic compounds. Here, we explain what functional groups are (by looking at – wait for it – fruit salad), and introduce the most common functional groups.Did you know that functional groups were at the root of dispute and…
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How to Identify Nucleophile vs Electrophile (Summary & Detailed)
Ever struggle with how to identify if a group is a nucleophile vs. electrophile?If you are in a rush and don’t care about learning chemistry (bruh), the first sections got you. I recommend you try to truly understand the concept as it’s arguably the most important skill in organic chemistry. Nucleophile vs electrophile: Summary 1.…