MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms Summary
Gold Standard MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms and Reactions ('cheat sheet' notes)
This MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms and Reactions Summary highlights key mechanisms that are most helpful for the exam. Understanding the basics, like electrostatics (opposites attract like charges repel), helps to minimize memorization and maximize the understanding of reaction mechanisms.
For a list of MCAT Organic Chemistry topics, check out the full list here. You can also access organic chemistry practice questions in our free MCAT practice test, or our many full-length MCAT practice tests.
Download the Gold Standard Organic General Chemistry Summary PDF or click on an image below to view the summaries.
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Gold Standard MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms: Summary II
R = alkyl Et = ethyl X = halide R- MgX+ = Grignard reagent R- Li+ = alkyl lithium
Grignard reagents and alkyl lithiums are special agents since they can create new C—C bonds (see ORG 1.6).
*Reduction involves the addition of hydrogen or subtraction of oxygen.
- Mild reducing agents add fewer hydrogens/subtract fewer oxygens.
- Strong reducing agents add more hydrogens/subtract more oxygens.
Cross-referencing to The Gold Standard MCAT text are found below.
