Reactions/Mechanisms Memorization

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I was curious if it was necessary to have reactions/mechanisms memorized

There's a lot of random ones

but beyond E1, E2, SN2, SN1; maybe some other simpler ones like Hydrogenation, Halogenation, and whatnot

Would we actually have to know mecahnisms

Things with specific names; like those named after people Wolf-Kischer; Kiliani-Fisher; Aldol Condensation all of those reactions

Would they just give us the reaction/the mechanism?

Like there's no chance of it showing up as a discrete question where they don't give the reaction

Or they show it in a passage without any additional info right?

From what I've seen so far, they give what you need and haven't asked for you to know a mechanism. However, I haven't done too many orgo passages/questions yet because of how rare they are

 

[shishy]

I think it would help if you familiarize yourself with them (i.e. be able to recall some details) but I don't know if straight-up memorizing everything is necessary...

Unless you're going for that 45 in which case it might be worth it just in case they do show up (but the feel I get from orgo is to know fundamentals + lab techniques...)

Maybe someone who has taken the test can pitch in haha

 

[AgouraBtheS]

I'm guessing you need to know most of them. I just took AAMC 3 yesterday and aldol is on that one in BS :/

 

[Jepstein30]

Focus on understanding the general concepts and you can reason pretty much every mechanism.

big topic is nucleophile/electrophile reactions.. definitely concentrate on that.

By far most common: SN1, SN2 and Aldol

 

[FeinMS]

I'm guessing you need to know most of them. I just took AAMC 3 yesterday and aldol is on that one in BS :/

spoiler alert!

 

[The Kraken]

Trying to memorize mechanisms is a real diminishing returns time investment. Unless you have plenty of time, dont bother with mechanisms and try to grasp conceptually what is happening in the reaction. You're never going to have to write out a mechanism, and if you can understand the end reaction, that's plenty.

 

[gettheleadout]

spoiler alert!

No kidding!

Can we be more considerate, please people?

 

[smiley27]

I'm guessing you need to know most of them. I just took AAMC 3 yesterday and aldol is on that one in BS :/

Smart move. 🙄

 

[AgouraBtheS]

My apologies- I'm new to SDN and that thought never crossed my mind.

 

[alpharez]

Focus on understanding the general concepts and you can reason pretty much every mechanism.

big topic is nucleophile/electrophile reactions.. definitely concentrate on that.

By far most common: SN1, SN2 and Aldol

I would also add organometallic and carboxylic acid reactions to this list. I've ran into them more than once.

 

[Jesus1]

Worst way to learn Ochem is by memorization.Understand the difference between a nucleophile and an electrophile and the factors that affect these properties.If you do this,you'll be able to PREDICT many mechanisms.