4.5 Steps to Problem Solving

LEARNING GOALS

After   Chapter 4.5,    you will    be  able    to:

List    the six steps   for solving organic chemistry   reactions   

Predict how a   reaction    will    proceed if  you are not given   reaction    conditions

With all of these rules in hand, we can now apply our knowledge in a systematic way to simplify
organic chemistry reactions that appear on the MCAT. These steps are described below.

MCAT EXPERTISE

While   studying    organic chemistry   for the MCAT,   don’t   permit  yourself    to  simply  nod along

with    the reaction    mechanisms—get  involved!   During  each    step    of  a   mechanism,  ask yourself

how the trends  and problem solving steps   in  this    chapter play    out.

Step 1: Know Your Nomenclature

Before you can even start to understand what reactions will occur and what products will form, it is
vital to know which compounds IUPAC and common names refer to! If you’re still having trouble
with nomenclature, be sure to review Chapter 1 of MCAT Organic Chemistry Review.

Step 2: Identify the Functional Groups

Look at the organic molecules in the reaction. What functional groups are in the molecules? Do
these functional groups act as acids or bases? How oxidized is the carbon? Are there functional