How to Solve Organic Chemistry Problems

 Here are links to all pages from both semesters that discuss problem solving. The emphasis is on how to think one's way, step by logical step, through a problem to the answer. Solving a problem in this way, and explaining to someone else how to solve the problem, are identical operations. One need only state explicitly the steps followed.

On the other hand, arguing that one can solve the problem but not explain how the answer was obtained is equivalent to saying that one has solved the problem by trial and error and could not repeat the process other than by luck. Such an approach will not work in the real world.

Please work hard at learning the systematic way to solve problems!

How to Study Organic Chemistry The Kinds of Problems We Work
Using Flash Cards Writing Lewis Structures
Predicting Reaction Products Drawing Stereoisomers
Solving Structures Classifying Isomers
Which SN or E Mechanism? Writing Resonance Structures
Writing Reaction Mechanisms  

The facts of organic chemistry will not long stay with you after you leave the class, except for the very few of you who may find yourselves working with chemistry regularly. However, a logical approach to problem solving is a tool that you will need for the rest of your life.

This page last modified 2:09 PM on Friday August 4th, 2000.
Webmaster, Department of Chemistry, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469