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How to learn organic synthesis

Hi guys, I'm trying to revise for my F324 exam and I'm having real trouble with the organic synthesis unit. Specifically, I can never remember the reagents and conditions for all the different reactions and that's where I always lose marks.

Does anyone have any tips or techniques on how to learn all the synthesis pathways and reagents and conditions for every reaction?

Reply 1

hollysunshiney

Make card sorts and match ups - if you look on the TES website they have some, if not you can always make them yourself :smile:

Reply 2

VanEkerDr

Draw mind maps. Have the substrate in the middle (primary alcohol/ alkyl halide/ carbonyl etc..) and then draw arrows to all the potential products and the reagents for the transformation. It takes time though, you're not going to learn it overnight.

Reply 3

charco

Study Forum Helper

There is only really one way to learn - repetition.

What it is that you need to repeat (and how much) varies from person to person ...

I find that physically copying down from memory forces the process in a very effective way.