Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

To the tune of “Invisible String” by Taylor Swift

[Verse 1]
 In base-catalyzed mechanisms the nucleophile attacks first
Negative charge is generated
Then, addition of a proton source makes the product neutral
This is a more stable state

[Chorus]
In basic conditions
Reasonable mechanisms
Will avoid formation of a strong acid
This rule will determine whether
A mechanism can proceed
In organic chemistry

[Verse 2]
Most acid-catalyzed mechanisms start with protonation
Electrophiles are activated
Making them susceptible to nucleophilic attack
The next step in product formation

[Chorus]
 In acidic conditions
Reasonable mechanisms
Will avoid formation of a strong base
This rule will determine whether
A mechanism can proceed
In organic chemistry

[Bridge]
Acidic mechanisms far more complex
Many protonation and deprotonation steps
But acronyms like PAD PLAD
Can make them much less bad
To help keep track of the order of steps

[Verse 3]
Reactions in organic chem can be acid- or base-catalyzed
Increasing reaction rate
Acid activates electrophiles, makes better leaving groups
Nucleophiles are activated by bases

[Chorus]
 Differing conditions
Involve differing mechanisms
With unique rules that must be followed
These rules will determine whether
A mechanism can proceed
In organic chemistry