OChem Roadmaps

[Ellabelle]

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I've done Chad's videos for OChem and tried to make my own roadmaps but then I saw Destroyer's Roadmaps......I'm absolutely terrified! I don't want to just memorize them. I want to understand them first and THEN memorize them. Any advice? How should I even start?

Thanks

 

[J777]

As you said, don't memorize as you go through the roadmaps. Try to understand how you get from point A to point B. If you can't rationalize how a reaction occurs, look up the mechanism in a textbook. You can also rewatch Chad's as necessary. Don't freak out! Jump in and work through them slowly so that you understand them. It is time consuming, but will be well worth it in the end.

 

[NMC2010]

As you said, don't memorize as you go through the roadmaps. Try to understand how you get from point A to point B. If you can't rationalize how a reaction occurs, look up the mechanism in a textbook. You can also rewatch Chad's as necessary. Don't freak out! Jump in and work through them slowly so that you understand them. It is time consuming, but will be well worth it in the end.

Agree with this 100%. When I was taking O Chem 1 and 2 two years ago, I learned the mechanism for about 90% of the reagents we used. Was it required? For most of them, no. But in doing so, you learn exactly what is happening, and it really sticks in your head. There are obviously many reagents - doing this would take a lot of time. I don't suggest doing this for practical reasons, but if you have the time and really want to know them, it's the way to go.

Otherwise, just make a couple hundred flashcards, maybe 4 per reagent acting on different compounds (different patterns of methylation, substitution, stereochemistry, etc.).