Pre-Med Orgo Panic!!

[DoctorLacrosse]

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So to make a long story short, I have been working really hard to dig myself out of a low GPA hole and everything has been going according to plan so far. I start organic chem 1 on Monday for the first time, and upon trying to do the assignment we were just emailed to hand in on the first day of class, I am panicking!!

My prof gave us an Sn2 substitution reaction in which we need to show valence electrons, show what the product will be, and what bonds break and form to give that product, and I have no idea where to even start. This is like reading in a different language to me, and I just feel pretty screwed haha. How do I even go about figuring this out without having attended a single lecture? Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed already at the beginning of orgo? I guess I am just looking for a little guidance or advice on how to tackle this.

Sorry for the cry baby post, it's not really my style but, as I mentioned earlier, I'm feeling a bit worried. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 👍

 

[MedPR]

So to make a long story short, I have been working really hard to dig myself out of a low GPA hole and everything has been going according to plan so far. I start organic chem 1 on Monday for the first time, and upon trying to do the assignment we were just emailed to hand in on the first day of class, I am panicking!!

My prof gave us an Sn2 substitution reaction in which we need to show valence electrons, show what the product will be, and what bonds break and form to give that product, and I have no idea where to even start. This is like reading in a different language to me, and I just feel pretty screwed haha. How do I even go about figuring this out without having attended a single lecture? Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed already at the beginning of orgo? I guess I am just looking for a little guidance or advice on how to tackle this.

Sorry for the cry baby post, it's not really my style but, as I mentioned earlier, I'm feeling a bit worried. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 👍

Read the section in your text book. You should know how to show valence electrons since you presumably already took gen chem.

Also, google.

 

[gc91]

I wouldn't use google. Do the best you can with what you already know, and if you can't answer much don't stress out. I think the point of this assignment is for your professor to see where everyone in the class is material and comprehension wise. It probably isn't graded.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Read the section in your text book. You should know how to show valence electrons since you presumably already took gen chem.

Also, google.

Yeah I figured this is partially stuff I should know, but I took gen chem back in my days where I really didn't try too hard in my classes so, I remember nothing from it. Guess I'll just do what I can. Just needed to let some anxiety out through here and pray for some decent advice haha. It is what it is

 

[FrkyBgStok]

your professor is a douche. oh you are going to give me an assignment before class starts? why don't you take a dump on my chest while you are at it.

 

[angldrps]

OCHEM was my worst subject in college. Even after passing all three quarters of it and scoring well on MCAT BS section, it STILL feels like a foreign language. I hate it enough to say if medical school was ochem heavy, I would seriously rethink my career plans. good luck to you OP.

 

[MedPR]

I wouldn't use google. Do the best you can with what you already know, and if you can't answer much don't stress out. I think the point of this assignment is for your professor to see where everyone in the class is material and comprehension wise. It probably isn't graded.

He doesn't know anything about orgo since he's never taken orgo.. Google is fine for simple SN2 reactions. There really isn't anything tricky except the inversion, but unless the prof wants them to draw the fischer projection, there's no need to even worry about that.

Yeah I figured this is partially stuff I should know, but I took gen chem back in my days where I really didn't try too hard in my classes so, I remember nothing from it. Guess I'll just do what I can. Just needed to let some anxiety out through here and pray for some decent advice haha. It is what it is

Try and find a very similar reaction. Alternatively post it here and maybe someone can give you the answer.

 

[DavetheMD]

Read David Klein's Organic Chemistry as a second language. You might want to start yesterday.

 

[HalfListic]

So to make a long story short, I have been working really hard to dig myself out of a low GPA hole and everything has been going according to plan so far. I start organic chem 1 on Monday for the first time, and upon trying to do the assignment we were just emailed to hand in on the first day of class, I am panicking!!

My prof gave us an Sn2 substitution reaction in which we need to show valence electrons, show what the product will be, and what bonds break and form to give that product, and I have no idea where to even start. This is like reading in a different language to me, and I just feel pretty screwed haha. How do I even go about figuring this out without having attended a single lecture? Is it normal to feel this overwhelmed already at the beginning of orgo? I guess I am just looking for a little guidance or advice on how to tackle this.

Sorry for the cry baby post, it's not really my style but, as I mentioned earlier, I'm feeling a bit worried. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 👍

My first thought is dont stress...I have a feeling this wont be weighted too strongly.

That being said, use the worry to motivate you to work hard on this.


Good "electron pushing for sn2 organic chemistry reactions"..I wish I knew this method earlier...it gives OChem context and structure.

Good luck

 

[timmaycakes]

For OP: Nuts and Bolts of Organic Chemistry by Joel Karty

It teaches you orgo from the very beginning. The book focuses on concepts: instead of memorizing reactions, you'll learn the general rules and concepts of orgo; how to push electrons, electronegativity, oxidation states, etc. After working through the book you'll be in a lot better shape. Get this book now (or get the other orgo as a second language book, they're both good) and start reading it with your regular textbook. You can do it...don't fall behind!

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Don't stress, check answers with friends in class.

Anyway, the valance electron configuration shouldn't be difficult for you to do, and an SN2 reaction's results will be similar to a double displacement reaction, i.e where you AB + CD => AC + BD. Either way, don't panic organic chemistry 1 is not a very hardcore class. You should be able to get an A as long as you put in the effort.

Also David Klein's Orgo as a Second Language is a requirement.

 

[411309]

i actually liked orgo a lot more than general chem, i think once you get the hang of it, it isn't so bad.

 

[Bangersandmash]

That professor is trolling you. If you're doing Sn2 reactions before school even starts, your school is ridiculous. Most people I know (myself included) didn't get into substitution reactions until a good 3 weeks into the semester at least. It would be almost impossible to just write down the products and transition state of an Sn2 reaction without even learning about chirality and nucleophiles first.

Don't sweat the assignment. Read your book section and do your best.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Wow, incredible advice from all. These responses are the exact reason i made this post. Glad I did.

I plan on working my ass off so I hopefully wont fall behind. I got a copy of orgo as a second language from a buddy tonight so I'm going to start working through that. I'll do my best to figure out the basics during the first week so I at least have a clue. Appreciate you guys taking time to give me some helpful tips.

And @FrkyBgStok, yes I hear this guy is a huge douche. Gonna be a lot of self learning this semester. But first let me wipe this dump off my shirt... 😀

 

[dntke1518]

your professor is a douche. oh you are going to give me an assignment before class starts? why don't you take a dump on my chest while you are at it.

bahaha I lol'd. But seriously, don't freak out yet... I was terrified of Orgo because I was terrible at gen chem, I ended up loving Orgo. So that being said, wait for this professor to actually teach you something, then after that if you don't understand then you can beat yourself up.

 

[jrporte3]

I liked ochem as a second language, definitely helpful. Also check out kahnacademy.org, check out the ochem section. This website saved me in Ochem and physics 🙂

Sent from my ADR6350 using SDN Mobile

 

[HipChick]

khanacademy and try youtube. I forget the guy on youtube...but he was really helpful.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Those videos are great. Going to use them and give it another stab after my shift at the hospital today. Thanks again to all for the help. Relieved a bit of my stress lol

 

[rzoo14]

i actually liked orgo a lot more than general chem, i think once you get the hang of it, it isn't so bad.

Same here. I was terrible in Gen Chem 2 but ochem was a lot of fun.

To OP, this is most likely a way to see where the students are in their knowledge of the material. I don't think the professor expects any of the students to actually know what SN2 is before the start of Ochem1.

Don't stress about Ochem. Its really fun once you get the hang of things. Just keep up with your readings and do as much practice with it as possible. I used this website called zadefaraj.com. It has a lot of practice problems but follows a semester outline from UH Ochem 1 and 2. Still a very valuable resource.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

So thanks to all of your great responses I was able to figure out how to solve the problem, and even managed to learn a thing or two in the process haha. thanks again guys!

 

[DrWily]

Mechanisms when you go to bed. Mechanisms when you wake up. Rinse repeat x everyday forever and you'll know Ochem.

 

[nirvikalpa]

khanacademy and try youtube. I forget the guy on youtube...but he was really helpful.

Freelanceteach?

He's awesome 🙂

 

[AlbertVOligh]

Mechanisms when you go to bed. Mechanisms when you wake up. Rinse repeat x everyday forever and you'll know Ochem.

This is really true. I found myself knowing it better than everyone by simply repeating mechanisms from worksheets and other sources over and over and over again. Even if you've already done the worksheet, do it again. And again. And again. It'll become second nature very quickly.

Also, Organic Chemistry as a Second Language is really helpful. You can prob find a used copy on half.com at a reasonable price.

 

[HipChick]

freelanceteach?

He's awesome 🙂

yes!!!!!

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Found myself knowing plenty of what was going on during my first lecture and then my first workshop. Already starting to fall in love with this subject. It's really such a fun class.

@DrWily I think I'm going to definitely start doing that, along with Orgo as a Second Language until I know the basics cold. You guys have been an invaluable resource already, thank you all again!

 

[DrWily]

Found myself knowing plenty of what was going on during my first lecture and then my first workshop. Already starting to fall in love with this subject. It's really such a fun class.

@DrWily I think I'm going to definitely start doing that, along with Orgo as a Second Language until I know the basics cold. You guys have been an invaluable resource already, thank you all again!

yea my ochem 3 (quarter system) teacher told us to do mechanisms right before bed, and right when you wake up and you will remember it. I'm finding in medical school I retain a lot of information just by sheer repetition. Also, white board. Draw out mechanisms over and over.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

 

[HipChick]

yea my ochem 3 (quarter system) teacher told us to do mechanisms right before bed, and right when you wake up and you will remember it. I'm finding in medical school I retain a lot of information just by sheer repetition. Also, white board. Draw out mechanisms over and over.

100% agree with a dry erase board. I started this in physics and LOVE IT.

I tried the mechanisms before bed... then i had a nightmare I was being chased by Br, never again...

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Awesome, picking up a white board tomorrow morning. DrWily you're the man. I'll do my best to keep the nightmares to a minimum though haha

 

[HipChick]

Awesome, picking up a white board tomorrow morning. DrWily you're the man. I'll do my best to keep the nightmares to a minimum though haha

thing is I really wish I were kidding. I kept going through the mechs in my head and i woke up all sweaty and didnt remember the nightmare until i was re-writing it on the exam... then I completely started laughing. I'm sure my class thought I was insane...

 

[DrWily]

thing is I really wish I were kidding. I kept going through the mechs in my head and i woke up all sweaty and didnt remember the nightmare until i was re-writing it on the exam... then I completely started laughing. I'm sure my class thought I was insane...

Just wait until you get to med school. I have nightmares, daydreams, etc about my material throughout the day. I'll be cooking lunch and randomly material is going through my head without me even wanting it to. Its hard to even focus on non-academic things.

 

[ThirdEye]

your professor is a douche. oh you are going to give me an assignment before class starts? why don't you take a dump on my chest while you are at it.

I like your style. 👍

I agree. I think it's scare tactics and he's trying weed out the passive kids with the highschool handicaps

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Just wait until you get to med school. I have nightmares, daydreams, etc about my material throughout the day. I'll be cooking lunch and randomly material is going through my head without me even wanting it to. Its hard to even focus on non-academic things.

Still, I can't wait to be able to just worry about school and nothing else. no work, no volunteering, no research (at first at least). must be nice, at least in that sense.

 

[orgohacks]

there's a finite number of important things to know in organic chemistry. Organic chemistry as a second language is useful. Freelance Teacher is good for having someone walk through problems. Finally, you might also find this series on substitution reactions helpful.
http://bit.ly/RkijrZ

 

[dj102]

DoctorLacrosse-- I felt the same way when I started Orgo one (at about the same time last year 🙂). It is sooo overwhelming at first--I think they just do it that way for the intimidation factor 😎

Anyway, just get down a study system and you will be all set.
I used studyorgo.com and also Orgo as a Second Language
Here's the good and the bad:

StudyOrgo.com
The Good: its a really fun program to use and very user friendly, the first part is like an intro to orgo sort of thing that has practice exercises at the end of each section, and they have these flashcards that you can like flip over the cards in real time- good for learning the reactions
The Bad: Its doesn't have the exact mechanisms written out for all the reactions, although it does go over important key points about mechanisms at times

Orgo as a Second Language
The Good: Its a good read which has all the details about trying to understand orgo instead of memorizing it, and they explain mechanisms
The Bad: Its a lot of reading just to get the gist of orgo, while all the actual orgo content is waiting to be learned. While its good to try to understand mechanisms, u've got to make sure you know all the rest of the material

Good luck!

 

[DavetheMD]

Freelanceteach?

He's awesome 🙂

If you have an entire weekend to watch his videos. It was too slow paced for me and he never got into any difficult synthesis problems which is what half of my Ochem semester looked like.

 

[HipChick]

Just wait until you get to med school. I have nightmares, daydreams, etc about my material throughout the day. I'll be cooking lunch and randomly material is going through my head without me even wanting it to. Its hard to even focus on non-academic things.

I already do this! For instance, I had an athlete go down with an injury... I replayed the entire even in my head, went through each special test (because I felt like I missed something), woke myself up during the night with a "AHH HAA!" moment and called his PCP first thing in the morning. I'm use to that (of course med school will be horrid), but the being chased by the offending Br and its electrons... that just creeped me out.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Great advice again, especially appreciate the reviews Dj102. So far I find myself understanding more than I would have ever thought, I'm just having a hard time deciding where to begin working for what will be important in the beginning to know. I'll figure it out though. I owe you guys one!

 

[Stangerang]

DoctorLacrosse, based on your info. you wouldn't happen to be attending a certain school in Li by any chance? And the Douche of a professor....last name wouldn't happen to start with an F, and end in Ler? lol

Don't want to give out exact names, but if you know who I am talking about, then your not the only one!

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

haha I know exactly who/where you're referring too, but I don't go there. I have 4 friends currently taking that exact class though, and we're certainly in the same boat lol

 

[Stangerang]

Thought so! Anyways, I ordered O. Chem as a 2nd language book as well. Should be coming today, I hope it helps!

GL.

 

[dolomite16]

http://www.khanacademy.org/science/organic-chemistry

Here you go bud. This will get you an A if you use it correctly.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

ahhhh I love you guys. so many great secret resources out there. appreciate it all!