It covers all major topics typically taught in Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, including foundational concepts, functional group chemistry, reaction mechanisms (like SN1/SN2, E1/E2, and additions), stereochemistry, aromatic compounds, carboxylic acid derivatives, aldehydes and ketones, spectroscopy (NMR/IR), organometallic reagents, and multi-step synthesis. Each slide breaks down these areas in dense but accessible paragraph form, making it ideal for reviewing the entire subject in a structured, in-depth way.

1. OCHEM OVERVIEW

2. Introduction to Organic Chemistry Fundamentals
Organic chemistry, as presented by The Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube, encompasses the fundamental principles,
mechanisms, and applications that govern carbon-based molecules. The series begins by establishing a strong foundation in
general chemistry concepts that are essential for understanding organic structures. Topics such as atomic structure, periodic
trends, hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), and molecular orbital theory are revisited to contextualize the bonding behavior of organic
compounds. This foundation is immediately followed by a comprehensive review of formal charges, resonance structures, and
electronegativity—all critical in predicting molecular reactivity. The videos carefully explain how electrons move in molecules and
how electron density influences stability and reactivity, which sets the stage for understanding curved arrow notation, a
cornerstone of organic reaction mechanisms.

3. Functional Groups, Nomenclature, and Stereochemistry
The series progresses into detailed discussions of functional groups, covering everything from simple hydrocarbons (alkanes,
alkenes, and alkynes) to more complex structures such as alcohols, ethers, amines, carbonyl-containing compounds, and carboxylic
acid derivatives. Each class is discussed in terms of structure, nomenclature (IUPAC and common), physical properties (boiling
point, solubility, polarity), and chemical behavior. The tutor breaks down IUPAC rules with worked examples, giving students a
thorough understanding of how to systematically name compounds. Special attention is given to stereochemistry, introducing the
concepts of chirality, enantiomers, diastereomers, and meso compounds. Topics such as R/S configurations and E/Z alkene
geometry are taught with multiple examples and visualization strategies, ensuring learners can confidently assign configurations
and predict stereoisomer outcomes in reactions.

4. Substitution and Elimination Mechanisms
A significant portion of the course is devoted to understanding and predicting the behavior of organic molecules through
reaction mechanisms. Reaction mechanisms are dissected using step-by-step curved arrow notation, emphasizing electron
flow and intermediate stability. Reactions such as SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 are not only taught but compared in terms of
kinetics, stereochemistry, substrate structure, solvent effects, and leaving group ability. The videos explain how to
determine the dominant pathway in competing scenarios, making this often confusing material more accessible. The same
pedagogical style is used in later substitution and elimination topics, including rearrangements (hydride and methyl shifts)
that commonly occur in carbocation intermediates.

5. Addition Reactions of Alkenes and Alkynes
The playlist then transitions into the chemistry of alkenes and alkynes, focusing on addition reactions. These
include hydrohalogenation, hydration (acid-catalyzed, oxymercuration-demercuration, and hydroboration-
oxidation), halogenation, halohydrin formation, and hydrogenation. Each reaction is taught with detailed
mechanism breakdowns and stereochemical considerations. Students learn when and why syn or anti addition
occurs and how to interpret reaction outcomes using Markovnikov’s or anti-Markovnikov’s rule. Alkyne chemistry is
given parallel treatment, including hydrohalogenation (1 or 2 equivalents), catalytic hydrogenation (Lindlar’s
catalyst and Na/NH₃), hydration to ketones (keto-enol tautomerism), and oxidative cleavage.

6. Aromatic Compounds and Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution
The Organic Chemistry Tutor also places great emphasis on aromatic compounds, especially benzene and its derivatives. Electrophilic
aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions—such as nitration, halogenation, sulfonation, alkylation (Friedel-Crafts), and acylation—are
covered with attention to regiochemistry and activation/deactivation effects. The role of electron-withdrawing and electron-donating
groups in directing incoming substituents is deeply analyzed, supported by resonance and inductive reasoning. The playlist ensures
learners understand the concept of aromaticity itself through Hückel’s rule and delocalized π-electron systems, providing a clear
distinction between aromatic, antiaromatic, and nonaromatic species. Nucleophilic aromatic substitution is also addressed, though
more briefly, along with side chain oxidation reactions and reduction of aromatic nitro compounds.

7. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives
Carboxylic acids and their derivatives—including esters, acid chlorides, anhydrides, and amides—are explored in
terms of structure, acidity, reactivity, and interconversion. The nucleophilic acyl substitution mechanism serves as
the unifying theme for most reactions in this chapter. The Tutor elucidates how reactivity can be predicted by
looking at resonance stabilization and leaving group ability. Specific reactions covered include Fischer
esterification, acid chloride synthesis, hydrolysis, aminolysis, transesterification, and saponification. Each
derivative’s reactions are compared in a logical reactivity order, allowing students to predict feasible conversions.
Additionally, decarboxylation reactions and malonic/acyclic ester synthesis are introduced.

8. Aldehydes, Ketones, and Enolate Chemistry
Aldehydes and ketones are next, beginning with their formation through oxidation of alcohols (PCC, Jones, Swern), ozonolysis, and
hydroboration-oxidation. Nucleophilic addition reactions dominate the discussion, including reactions with water (hydration),
alcohols (acetal/ketal formation), primary/secondary amines (imines/enamines), cyanide (cyanohydrins), and Grignard or
organolithium reagents. The Tutor explains the stability of tetrahedral intermediates and how reaction conditions (acidic vs basic)
affect reaction pathways. Further, oxidation-reduction chemistry is reviewed, with emphasis on reagents like NaBH₄, LiAlH₄, and
Tollen’s/Benedict’s tests. Enolate chemistry is introduced, laying groundwork for understanding α-hydrogen reactivity,
tautomerization, and electrophilic substitution at the α-carbon. Reactions such as aldol condensation and Claisen condensation are
covered in-depth with complete mechanisms.

9. Spectroscopy and Structural Identification
The series also includes a review of spectroscopy—an essential tool for organic chemists. IR spectroscopy is
explained in terms of molecular vibrations and how functional groups absorb at specific frequencies. Mass
spectrometry and UV-Vis are briefly introduced, but the main focus is on NMR spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C). The Tutor
demystifies complex spectra by teaching students how to identify splitting patterns (doublets, triplets, etc.),
coupling constants, chemical shifts, and integration values. Several example problems are worked out to practice
deducing structures from spectral data.

10. Organometallic Reactions and Synthesis Techniques
Grignard and organolithium reagents are explored in their own section, emphasizing their role in carbon-carbon
bond formation. The Tutor teaches how to synthesize alcohols from epoxides, aldehydes, and ketones using these
reagents. A thorough review of protecting group strategies is also included, especially for alcohol and amine
groups during multi-step synthesis. Other organometallic chemistry is touched on, such as the use of Gilman
reagents and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

11. Biomolecules and Specialized Topics
Polymers, carbohydrates, amino acids, and biomolecules receive lighter coverage near the end of the playlist.
These include polymerization reactions (addition vs condensation), glucose structure and mutarotation, peptide
bond formation, and protein structure levels. Though the biochemistry content is more introductory, it provides
useful context for students preparing for standardized exams like the MCAT or final university assessments.

12. Advanced Synthesis and Exam Preparation
The series concludes with multi-step synthesis strategies and cumulative exam reviews. These videos emphasize
retrosynthetic analysis, reagent selection, functional group compatibility, and synthesis roadmapping. The Tutor
often gives a target molecule and walks students backward through a logical series of disconnections and forward
synthesis steps. These are some of the most challenging and valuable videos in the playlist, helping students
transition from learning reactions in isolation to integrating them creatively in synthesis problems.

13. Final Thoughts on the Series
Throughout the series, The Organic Chemistry Tutor emphasizes problem-solving and visual learning. Hand-
drawn mechanisms, clear voiceover explanations, and repetition of key points make even complex material more
manageable. The content is well-aligned with what is taught in a standard Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 sequence
and serves as a valuable supplement or even primary learning resource for students at all levels.