MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms Summary
Gold Standard MCAT Prep's MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms and Reactions ('cheat sheet' notes)
This MCAT Organic Chemistry Mechanisms and Reactions Summary is by no means an exhaustive review of MCAT Organic Chemistry. Our summary is only meant to highlight key mechanisms that are most helpful for the MCAT. Understanding the basics, like electrostatics (opposites attract, like charges repel), helps to minimize memorization and maximize the understanding of MCAT reaction mechanisms.
For a list of MCAT Organic Chemistry topics, check out our MCAT topics list. You can also access practice questions in our free MCAT practice test, or our many full-length MCAT practice tests.
DOWNLOAD THE MCAT ORGANIC CHEMISTRY SUMMARY PDF
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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.
