Focus on the functiuonal group and learn to identify the type of reaction involved. Learn to think of what change the functional group undergoes and associate that change with the type of reaction involved. One suggestion that I give to my Organic Chemistry students to help them practice on identifying these reaction types and the changes that take place, is to develop a set of 3X5 index cards where you place the reactants and conditions under which the reaction is carried out on one side of the card. On the other side indicate the major organic products. The act of writing this information on the card, itself, will help reinforce the information in your mind. Then you can use them as "flash cards" where you can quiz yourself as to products formed. Then turn the cards over and quiz yourself on how you would prepare the major product indicated on the back of the card. You can do the same thing when it comes to naming Organic compounds. Place the structure on one side and the IUPAC name on the flip side.

Learning mechanisms is also important. You can place the net reaction on one side of an index card and the mechanism on the other side. You can quiz yourself as to what plausible mechanism can be proposed given the net reaction.

R. H. Logan, Instructor of Chemistry, Dallas County Community College District, North Lake College.

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All textual content copyrighted (c) 1995
R.H. Logan, Instructor of Chemistry, DCCCD
All Rights reserved

Revised: 8/20/97

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