The peptide bond and primary structure of proteins
The primary structure of a protein is defined as the sequence of amino acids of which it is composed. This sequence ultimately determines the shape that the protein adopts, according to the…
Optical Activity
Optical activity is the ability of a chiral molecule to rotate the plane of plane-polairsed light, measured using a polarimeter. A simple polarimeter consists of a light source, polarising lens, sample tube…
Cis-Trans Isomerism in Cycloalkanes
Previously, constitutional isomers were defined as molecules that had the same molecular formula, but different atom connectivity. In this section, a new class of isomers, stereoisomers, will be introduced. Stereoisomers are molecules…
Conformations of Ethane and Butane
Conformational Isomerism is a form of stereoisomerism where interconversions of isomers are possible by rotations referring to single bonds. These isomers are termed as Conformational isomers. Rotational Energy acts as…
sp3 Hybridization
The term “sp3 hybridization” refers to the mixing character of one 2s-orbital and three 2p-orbitals to create four hybrid orbitals with similar characteristics. In order for an atom to be sp3 hybridized,…
Lewis Acid/Base Mnemonic
Think of Lewis as ‘lectrons’ Lewis Acid A Lewis acid refers to an atom or molecule that accepts an electron pair. Think back to your ‘pushing arrows’ for orgo mechanisms.…
Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry Bases in Organic Chemistry
Categories of Acids and Bases Before we dive in, be sure to download my FREE acid/base cheat sheet to follow along now and take with you to study on the…
The Difference Between the Formal and Actual Charge
Now, I’ve mentioned earlier that there’s a difference between the formal and the actual charge. Formal charge is a bookkeeping tool that is important to help us keep track of the electron…
Formal Charges
Formal charges in organic chemistry is, perhaps, one of the most fundamental bookkeeping devices which is often misunderstood or neglected by students. Why Formal Charges are Important in Organic Chemistry?…
Electronegativity
Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons. This sharing allows each atom to achieve its octet of electrons and greater stability. Methane, CH 4, the simplest organic compound, contains covalent bonds.…
