A Message to Those Students Who Plan to Study Organic chemistry
Rod Oka, MPC

► Topics you should master in general chemistry before entering organic chemistry include the following:

K_a and pK_a values: What they mean and how they are related to acid strength. This is probably one of the most important ideas to master prior to entering organic chemistry.

Conjugate acid-base pairs:  Memorize and understand this: if HA is a strong acid, then A- is stable and A^- is a weak base. If HA is a weak acid then A^- is unstable and A^- is a strong base.

pH

Hybridization: sp, sp², sp³ hybrids and the bond angles associated with them. Also think about the % of s- character associated with each type of hybrid [sp, 50%;  sp², 33%;  sp³ 25%]

Lewis structures: be able to draw these for compounds and polyatomic ionic species.

Resonance: Be able to draw resonance structures and evaluate the relative stabilities of each resonance structure. Draw the resonance hybrid. Know the significance of resonance.

Atomic orbitals and molecular orbitals: sigma vs pi bonds; boding vs antibonding molecular orbitals. Also have a clear understanding of the +/- signs associated with orbitals (they don't represent charge!)

Electronegativity and polar bonds: The fact that opposite charges attract. This is central to understanding the many mechanisms in organic chemistry. You don't want to have to memorize a bunch of reactions and equations – understand what is happening instead. Bond polarity and the idea that opposites attract will help you understand a tremendous amount of organic chemistry.

Reaction kinetics: 1^st- and 2^nd-order reactions; the difference between transition states and intermediates.

Equilibrium and LeChatelier's principle

► Things that may not be covered in general chemistry but which should be considered/ looked at before organic.

Memorize the names of the first ten alkanes 

CH₄        methane

C₂H₆      ethane

C₃H₈      propane

C₄H₁₀     butane

C₅H₁₂     pentane

C₆H₁₄     hexane

C₇H₁₆     heptane

C₈H₁₈     octane

C₉H₂₀     nonane

C₁₀H₂₂    decane

Memorize the structures and notations of the different functional groups (alcohol, aldehyde, alkene, alkyne, carboxylic acid, ester, ketone, etc.)

When you are studying organic, buy a molecular model kit and use it!

Study every day and ask questions. To learn chemistry you must discuss chemistry and practice by doing lots of homework! In order to be successful in organic chemistry you must be willing to put in the time to study it.