Organic Chemistry

[DrStraggler]

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I've heard that either you're a natural at ochem or struggle through it. So, is it that it comes easier to people who are less math oriented and more memorization minded or is it the other way around?

 

[weezynation]

Organic chemistry is a science for the mastery of which spatial reasoning is essential. Typically, this type of thinking doesn't come easily to individuals who have excelled in math because mathematics requires a different type of reasoning ("left vs. right brain"). I've always been good at mathematics. Organic chemistry was a struggle for me. My strategy was to recognize my weakness early and train against it. It may not come easily to you, but that doesn't mean you can't excel if you put the time in to address your known weaknesses.

Fully agree with this. I detest math and organic chem clicked for me from the jump. Whether you are a math person or not, go into it expecting to work your butt off from the first day. Focus more on understanding than memorization and it will help you immensely. You will have to straight up memorize some stuff though.

 

[Bodysurfer]

I struggled through gen chem but breezed trough orgo, probably because I had more adjusted to college after freshmen year. Lots of work, do all the problems out of the back of the book and use a student solutions manual. That and a book, organic chem as a second language helped me out a ton.

The thing that worked for me of learning the reactions was to have a typed list with some background info and a large space to write the reaction mechanisms (you'll learn the term) in pencil.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Organic chemistry is a science for the mastery of which spatial reasoning is essential. Typically, this type of thinking doesn't come easily to individuals who have excelled in math because mathematics requires a different type of reasoning ("left vs. right brain"). I've always been good at mathematics. Organic chemistry was a struggle for me. My strategy was to recognize my weakness early and train against it. It may not come easily to you, but that doesn't mean you can't excel if you put the time in to address your known weaknesses.

So true. It's alot of spatial/visual reasoning in your head, coupled with memorization. If you just try to memorize and don't think spatially in three-dimensions, then it is easy to miss some things. Especially true for asymmetric synthesis.

 

[HipChick]

I agree. I struggled at first, then something just clicked! I tried to memorize too much instead of just understanding stuff. Now I'm ok, although my first two exams dictated my final grade (sigh...) I should have just studying like I know how to instead of how I thought I should.

 

[syoung]

Math and Ochem were strong for me... And Gchem, so I guess I don't fit that mold.

Ochem -> just understand the characteristics that make reactions go. This will help in new problems where you are asked, what's the next step.

 

[235788]

I've heard that either you're a natural at ochem or struggle through it. So, is it that it comes easier to people who are less math oriented and more memorization minded or is it the other way around?

oh sweet another thread on organic chem


organic chemistry is a mix of memorization and puzzles. IF you're bad at critical thinking, then you will be bad at organic (and verbal reasoning).

 

[angemon89]

oh sweet another thread on organic chem


organic chemistry is a mix of memorization and puzzles. IF you're bad at critical thinking, then you will be bad at organic (and verbal reasoning).

I never memorized ochem. I learned it and loved it. So much so that after taking it I decided to change my undergraduate major to pharmaceutical chemistry.

I have always been just OK at math. I could do it if I'm "in the moment" but the concepts don't stick (same with physics).

 

[WTEngel]

While a lot of it does come down to either being "wired" to understand o chem, or not, plenty of people who were not strong in o chem when they started have exited with a solid foundation of knowledge. I guess what I am trying to say is, a lot of people like to talk o chem up as if it is some sort of huge beast, when in reality if you are disciplined and have good study habits, there is very little in the course that can't be overcome.

I think the reason the course washes so many people out is that there are a lot of people who were able to make A's fairly easily in intro level bio and chem classes, only to be taken to task in o chem. O chem requires studying and a good amount reflection outside of the classroom. Very few people can just show up to class, do no outside studying, and expect to make an A.

"Organic Chemistry as a Second Language" by David Klein is an excellent companion book to accompany your text. Klein is good at explaining a lot of the theory behind things.

Don't focus on memorizing the machanisms, focus on understanding what drives the mechanism. Understanding why the mechanism goes the way it does is better than memorizing where the arrows go.

Klein discusses recognizing patterns in certain mechanisms to help you predict products and push the electrons the right way.

A good foundation from general chem about how the orbitals hybridize and what configurations lead to more stable structures is really helpful also.

Klein also has a text book, which is very good. I hate for this to sound like one big advertisement for Klein, but the guy just has great texts. My uni was using Wade's book, and frankly it was a snoozefest. It was just written in a really non-user friendly way.

At any rate, good luck to you.

 

[Verum]

Organic chemistry is a science for the mastery of which spatial reasoning is essential. Typically, this type of thinking doesn't come easily to individuals who have excelled in math because mathematics requires a different type of reasoning ("left vs. right brain"). I've always been good at mathematics. Organic chemistry was a struggle for me. My strategy was to recognize my weakness early and train against it. It may not come easily to you, but that doesn't mean you can't excel if you put the time in to address your known weaknesses.

Doesn't geometry fall into that category of spatial reasoning especially 3d geo?

 

[armybound]

I say regardless of what is necessary for mastery of it, just power through that crap and be done with it.

Ochem sucks.

 

[von Matterhorn]

I will tell you this - Ochem is not 'purely logical' like many will want you to believe. If that were the case, there wouldn't be so many unknown reactions and guesses as to how a reaction proceeds.

That being said, Ochem isn't too bad if you put in the work. For the vast majority of people, Ochem doesn't just "click", you just put in some effort into studying and it's very manageable. I don't know anyone in my class you who got an A and didn't work to get it.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Doesn't geometry fall into that category of spatial reasoning especially 3d geo?

Yes. I don't really agree with what he said about math. I entered college only knowing I was really good at math to find out I was also really good at ochem.

 

[Tots]

I did well in Math and Ochem...both had problems that required creative(sometimes) problem solving = awesome. I hated Geometry though so it was a surprise that I actually enjoyed the spatial aspects of Ochem.

 

[asecondtolife]

Struggled through the first semester, just kept working at it until it made sense and loved it from then on. I think memorization helps to start, but the more in depth you get into ochem, the less memorization works. Learn the fundamentals as best you can.

I don't know about the math stereotype. I was decent at math, loved genchem, and loved ochem still. I think ochem appeals to people that are detail oriented and is a subject that gets easier if you put more effort into training your spatial reasoning.