Some common reactionsmay actually be a combination of reaction types. The examples illustrated above involve simple alkyl and alkenesystems, but these reaction types are general for most functionalgroups, including those incorporating carbon-oxygen double bondsand carbon-nitrogen double and triple bonds. A rearrangement reaction generates an isomer, and againthe number of bonds normally does not change. Aside from these groups, the number of bonds does not change. Substitution reactions, as the name implies, are characterizedby replacement of an atom or group (Y) by another atom or group(Z). The reverse istrue of elimination reactions, i.e.the number ofσ-bonds in the substrate decreases,and new π-bonds are often formed. In an addition reaction the number of σ-bondsin the substrate molecule increases, usually at the expense ofone or more π-bonds. It may stand for simple substituents such as H– or CH 3–, or for complex groups composed of many atoms of carbon and other elements. The letter R in the following illustrations is widely used as a symbol for a generic group. This classification does not require knowledge or speculation concerning reaction paths or mechanisms. This is best accomplished by perceiving the reaction pathway or mechanism of a reaction.įirst, we identify four broad classes of reactions based solely on the structural change occurring in the reactant molecules. Ultimately, the best way to achieve proficiency in organic chemistry is to understand how reactions take place, and to recognize the various factors that influence their course. Most of these reactions occur at special sites of reactivity known as functional groups, and these constitute one organizational scheme that helps us catalog and remember reactions. These are the 'tools' of a chemist, and to use these tools effectively, we must organize them in a sensible manner and look for patterns of reactivity that permit us make plausible predictions. If you scan any organic textbook you will encounter what appears to be a very large, often intimidating, number of reactions. Chemical reactions are commonly written as equations: Catalysts do not change equilibria positions. Catalysts are substances that accelerate the rate ( velocity ) of a chemical reaction without themselves being consumed or appearing as part of the reaction product. Reaction Conditions The environmental conditions, such as temperature, pressure, catalysts & solvent, under which a reaction progresses optimally. Product(s) The final form taken by the major reactant(s) of a reaction.

The portion of a reagent that ends up being incorporated in the product may range from all to very little or none. It may be organic or inorganic small or large gas, liquid or solid.

Reagent: A common partner of the reactant in many chemical reactions. Most ( or all ) of the reactant molecule is normally incorporated as part of the product molecule. The reactant is often ( but not always ) the larger and more complex molecule in the reacting system. Other compounds may also be involved, and common reactive partners ( reagents ) may be identified. Reactant or Substrate: The organic compound undergoing change in a chemical reaction.

We begin by defining some basic terms that will be used frequently as this subject is elaborated.Ĭhemical Reaction: A transformation resulting in a change of composition, constitution and/or configuration of a compound ( referred to as the reactant or substrate ). Now that we can recognize these actors ( compounds ), we turn to the roles they are inclined to play in the scientific drama staged by the multitude of chemical reactions that define organic chemistry. Organic chemistry encompasses a very large number of compounds ( many millions ), and our previous discussion and illustrations have focused on their structural characteristics.

Reactivity