quick question about org chem in dat

[dl9006]

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are mechanisms of reactions important for the dat?

or should i just focus on memorizing the reactants and products for each rxn?



also, can any one recommend a good source/book to study org chem off from?


it's been a few yrs since i took organic so i don't even know where my notes are. 😛

 

[Vicviper]

There really aren't any questions on the individual steps of the mechanisms like electron pushing or anything, but it can be handy to know if you come across something you're not as familiar with. I did just reactants and products and I did fine.

I found the Kaplan book to be an amazing review, as well as Barron's DAT.

http://www.amazon.com/Prepare-Denta..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0GPY4W54DYAS73JJRANV

You can find it for like 5 bucks on amazon, and although it's not as detailed as Kaplan, I found it a very good supplement.

Many people say to use your text books, but the DAT isn't testing on a really detailed understanding, and more of a broad general understanding, and so I find the review books best.

Good luck!

 

[nze82]

You'll probably NOT encounter any questions involving the mechanism of the reaction. However, I'd take a closer look at mechanisms involving carbocation/radical formation.

 

[Vicviper]

You'll probably NOT encounter any questions involving the mechanism of the reaction. However, I'd take a closer look at mechanisms involving carbocation/radical formation.

Exactly, while you won't really run into questions asking specifically about this, it is VERY handy to know because just about EVERY ochem reaction involves them, and so it can make understanding the overall reactions much easier if you're confused about what a final product might be. When I took Ochem my professors didn't focus as heavily as they could have on this, and I felt my foundation was somewhat weaker than it could have been.