Organic chemistry is a structure-reactivity discipline: the way electrons are distributed in bonds determines geometry, polarity, stability, and every mechanism that follows.
Assign formal charges, choose major resonance contributors, and explain why resonance changes stability without moving atoms.
Predict hybridization, geometry, and bond angles for common carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen environments.
Distinguish sigma and pi bonding and connect orbital overlap to bond strength and reactivity.
Use polarity and intermolecular forces to rank boiling point, solubility, and relative molecular attraction.
Checkpoint Questions
Q: Why is acetate far more stable than ethoxide?
A: Because the negative charge in acetate is delocalized by resonance over two oxygens, whereas ethoxide keeps the charge localized on one oxygen.
Q: Why is carbon dioxide nonpolar even though each C=O bond is polar?
A: CO2 is linear, so the two equal bond dipoles point in opposite directions and cancel.