Organic Chemistry

[mike4bmp]

Is anyone or has anyone taken O-Chem?
If so, can anyone give me advice on how to look at stereoisomeric molecules....in particular how to see enantiomers and diastereomers....I have a real problem with perceiving molecules in different conformations.
Also can anyone tell me on average how long each O-chem lab takes to complete....I am starting the lab sequence next quarter however, I still need to work out my work schedule.

[deez nuts]

You just gotta practice and pratice on how to rotate the 3-D image mentally.

But to make it short and brief since it might go on for pages about stereoisomers:

It might help to label the groups with a number so it can help you visually rotate it. For example number the amino group as 1, the carboxyl group as 2 and the R group as 3. Then visually rotate it or draw a corresponding diagrams as you rotate in intervals of 45 or 90 degree intervals, if you need to. But practice doing it mentally cuz those chains can get crazy long. But essentially just designate the R group, the carboxyl group and the amino group so you can mentally keep track if you get confused with a long chain to help you rotate on a 3-D plane.


As for lab times when I was in college. I think it was like:

Organic Chem 1: 3 hrs per session twice a week
Organic Chem 2: 3 hrs per session three times a week.

The write up and analysis of the lab itself, varies.

[Pooh]

Originally posted by mike4bmp@Nov 21 2002, 07:57 PM
Is anyone or has anyone taken O-Chem?
If so, can anyone give me advice on how to look at stereoisomeric molecules....in particular how to see enantiomers and diastereomers....I have a real problem with perceiving molecules in different conformations.
Also can anyone tell me on average how long each O-chem lab takes to complete....I am starting the lab sequence next quarter however, I still need to work out my work schedule.
3-d model kits can really help those that have problems visualizing..

[mike4bmp]

Originally posted by Chasiubao_Boy@Nov 22 2002, 02:06 PM
You just gotta practice and pratice on how to rotate the 3-D image mentally.

But to make it short and brief since it might go on for pages about stereoisomers:

It might help to label the groups with a number so it can help you visually rotate it. For example number the amino group as 1, the carboxyl group as 2 and the R group as 3. Then visually rotate it or draw a corresponding diagrams as you rotate in intervals of 45 or 90 degree intervals, if you need to. But practice doing it mentally cuz those chains can get crazy long. But essentially just designate the R group, the carboxyl group and the amino group so you can mentally keep track if you get confused with a long chain to help you rotate on a 3-D plane.


As for lab times when I was in college. I think it was like:

Organic Chem 1: 3 hrs per session twice a week
Organic Chem 2: 3 hrs per session three times a week.

The write up and analysis of the lab itself, varies.
So do you mean to rotate axially isolating one substituent so that it does not move while moving the others?

Thanks! :)

[deez nuts]

Originally posted by mike4bmp@Nov 25 2002, 07:56 PM

So do you mean to rotate axially isolating one substituent so that it does not move while moving the others?

Thanks! :)
Whatever works for you.

I found it easier for me to rotate and move all three substituents as you go along. It's just one of those weird things that you have to be born with or work on to visualize 3-D perception. It's kinda hard to explain since I kinda have a knack with 3-D visualization (sorry not to brag, but that's the best way I can explain it). But definitely number each substituent group and tinker away when you practice.

And like Pooh said those 3D kits help also.