jOeCHEMists, welcome to Gen Chem Boot Camp. This series is all about learning and mastering fundamentals that will be integral during our carbon conquest: drawing Lewis Structures, determining atoms' formal charges, acid-base basics, and so much more. I'll admit, this is NOT my favorite part of OChem--not by a long shot (it's just not super sexy chemistry). But take this series and the skills within it seriously, because learning them well will set you up to kick some major carbon ass later.
https://joechem.io/videos/2 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we review how to draw Lewis Dot Structures like a champ. You may be wondering, "Joe, this is supposed to be all about Ochem? Why are we doing this?" And you're right! But, we need to have our fundamentals down before we dive deep in the world of carbon, and this is a skill we MUST have down. So take a trip down memory lane with me.
https://joechem.io/videos/3 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, how to represent organic structures in Bond Line notation. Gone are the days of drawing out structures like CH3-CH2-CH2-OH. It may seem silly to have a dedicated video for this topic, but I think (especially in the early part of your organic career), it can't hurt to walk through it to make sure you have it down.
https://joechem.io/videos/4 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we tackle how to become an expert at assigning Formal Charges. Although a straight forward concept, do not breeze over this topic: You will NEVER stop assigning formal charges as long as you are taking Organic Chemistry. Master assigning Formal Charges now, so later on in Ochem when you're drawing mechanisms, you don't forget any/get slowed down by assigning them (future you will love past you for it, trust me).
https://joechem.io/videos/5 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we dive into resonance, what it is, why it is such a stabilizing force, and how to draw it on Bond Line structures. I know I say many topics are important to your success in Ochem, BUT resonance is arguably one of the most important fundamental tools/concepts you will use THROUGHOUT Organic Chemistry I and II. You will never not draw resonance. Get comfortable with resonance now, practice a bunch, and you will see the benefits very quickly.
https://joechem.io/videos/186 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link) In this video, we build on our resonance knowledge. Not only will we draw more resonance, but we will discuss how all resonance structures are not created equally (stability wise). We'll go over the three "guidelines" as to how to compare resonance structures and identify major and minor contributors to the overall resonance hybrid (because remember, we don't look like one structure but a combination of all the resonance structures). Helpful videos: Learning Resonance - https://joechem.io/videos/5
https://joechem.io/videos/6 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we're hitting hybridization. We talk about a bit of theory (don't worry, its nothing crazy, and while you don't NEED the theory, it's always good to have a deeper, under-the-hood understanding), and then we practice, practice, practice: Looking at structures and assigning hybridization over and over again. This is one of those skills like formal charges where if you take it to heart and learn it well now, it will pay dividends later down the line.
https://joechem.io/videos/8 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we do a quick throwback review to Gen Chem as to what VSEPR knowledge we'll need to crush it in Ochem.
https://joechem.io/videos/7 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we take our awesome knowledge of hybridization (https://joechem.io/videos/6) and look at sigma bonds, pi bonds, their properties, and how to represent them in orbital diagrams.
https://joechem.io/videos/102 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, talk about acids and bases at a fundamental level--what they are, strong vs weak, and how to identify them. Then, we'll go through the 5 "rules" that will help you analyze acid-base equilibria in your organic quest.
https://joechem.io/videos/103 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we review Energy Diagrams and Le Chatelier's Principle. Again, I know this is not directly an Organic Chemistry topic and lends itself more to Gen Chem, but PLEASE trust me: You WILL see Energy Diagrams in your organic careers, and you WILL talk about equilibrium a bunch. So don't skip over this, and enjoy the nostalgic review of fun energy diagrams and equilibrium.
https://joechem.io/videos/104 for video on jOeCHEM and attached worksheet + solution (below video on jOeCHEM aka the link). In this video, we take a second look at energy diagrams to truly understand the vast amount of information they give us (sequel video to https://joechem.io/videos/103).
Dr. George Bandik was nice enough to let me come in to talk to Pitt's American Chemical Society (ACS) chapter about how creating jOeCHEM changed the path of my life. I was a chemical engineering student intent on attending medical school when I arrived at Pitt. I never imagined what would happen that would lead me to start work on jOeCHEM, learning how to program, and winding up with a career in software at a self driving car company. To hear the full story, watch on :)