Ch 1: Student Problems

Chapter 1: Where are the Electrons ?

Common Student Problems

There are a few very fundamental chemistry topics that some students have when they start studying organic chemistry.
Unfortunately, if these problems don't get dealt with, then they become major obstacles to success with organic chemistry. The problems and more importantly the cures are listed below:

PROBLEM	CURE
Cannot quickly distinguish "reasonable" and "unreasonable" structures	Know and apply the basic rules of valence (e.g. the octet rule, counting electrons, check formulae)
Cannot assign formal charges efficiently	Try to recognise the common scenarios (this comes with practice)
Misuse (or ignore) simple acid and base reactions	Remember the definitions of acids and bases. When applying the knowledge, think about what they do best!