Organic Reaction Pathways: Key Concepts & Mechanisms

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Organic Reaction Pathways: Key Concepts

What do you already know about common organic reactions?

Lesson Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify and explain common organic reaction pathways and understand how reagents transform organic molecules.

Recognising Organic Reagents

Organic reactions employ a variety of reagents, such as H2SO4, NaOH, NaBH4, and MgBr compounds. Each plays a unique role in transforming molecular structures.

Reaction Mechanisms

Mechanisms show how bonds are made and broken. Arrows indicate electron movement, guiding the transformation from reactants to products.

Types of Organic Reactions

Oxidation and Reduction

Addition, Substitution, Elimination

Oxidation often introduces oxygen or removes hydrogen (e.g., using Na2Cr2O7). Reduction adds hydrogen or removes oxygen (e.g., with NaBH4).

Addition joins new atoms to a molecule. Substitution swaps one atom/group for another. Elimination removes atoms/groups, forming double bonds.

Key Examples: Alcohol & Ketone Pathways

Reactions such as C2H5OH + O2, and the use of NaBH4 or H2SO4, illustrate oxidation to carboxylic acids or reduction to alcohols/alkanes.

Summary & Reflection

Today you learned about key reagents, common organic reaction types, and mechanism basics. How might this knowledge help you in upcoming experiments or assessments?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.