The subject which makes JEE interesting- Organic Chemistry

This post is about Organic Chemistry- one of the most interesting subjects in JEE syllabus. I never got bored in an Organic chemistry class- thanks to my wonderful teacher.

Coming to the point, Organic Chemistry doesn't involve much learning, and is mainly based on understanding concepts. Most questions would be easy to solve(except a few, which are always there in any paper) provided you have studied well. I'll be telling you chapterwise syllabus and how to prepare for it. I would give you links to some books in the end, and you can buy the books without having to waste time on searching(I searched for the latest editions and put them here).

Make good class notes. This is very important. Organic is best taught by a teacher. Remember all kinds of effects, their exceptions, their preference orders, etc. Making short notes turns out very useful later on.

So, the main areas you'll study are

1. Basics of Organic Chemistry- 

This itself is a big topic. It involves topics like Nomenclature, Isomerism(stereo and structural), Electronic Effects, Acidic and Basic strengths, bonding in Organic compounds, basics of Organic reaction mechanisms, Practical Organic Chemistry. Now these are some really important topic and every coaching class has a different way to approach them. We were taught these concepts as and when they were required. You should follow whatever approach you are being taught. If you attend a proper coaching, then concentrate on their teaching and sheets. If not, then there are plenty of books out there, to help you, keep reading.

2. Reaction part

This is the essence of Organic Chemistry. 90% of questions asked in Organic chemistry are from reactions. This includes Hydrocarbons, Aromatic compounds, Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers, reactions of acids, Grignard Reagent, Oxidation/Reduction, etc. The list is very long. There are a lot many reactions in this section. But panic not. These are taught in a very structured way in Coachings/Books. Follow their way, and be regular. Remember stuff up as soon as they are taught. Maintaining a reaction+mechanism+exception diary helps. Revise it everytime before you sit to study Organic Chemistry. Constant revision is the key here. Understand the mechanisms really well. A lot of questions are asked in JEE(Advanced) based on mechanism. They would change the reaction a bit and they will ask you the product. You can solve it only if you have an understanding of the mechanism.

So, the main thing is- keep all the reaction, reagents, and exceptions on your tips, and have a good understanding of mechanisms. Practice them by writing them down till you remember them. Solve a huge number of problems as they will help you remember the facts.

Also, a good understanding of Basics of Organic Chemistry is also important, otherwise you won't be able to move ahead. So strengthen that first.

Self study people can pick up a good book(keep reading) and start from there. Try to obtain a good coaching material to practice from. Youtube tutorials can help you understand mechanisms.

3. Biomolecules and miscellaneous part-

This is relatively easy. It is important, as at least 1-2 questions are asked from the chapter 'Chemistry in everyday life'. Just mug up this chapter from NCERT. This is it. It will cover Boards, JEE(Main), and JEE(Advanced) all at one go. Then comes biomolecules. This is an interesting chapter, and JEE has asked some really tough questions from this chapter. Remember all Amino acid structures, if you can, as there was a question in JEE 2014 based on this. There are lots of concepts and structures, specially in Carbohydrates and Proteins, be familiar with them.


Books-

There are lots of good books available in the market. But it is tough to choose which one to follow. I would say any of these books is good to follow, but some books have an upper edge over others. If you are going to a good coaching, then nothing can be better than that, because they have great question bank, so I recommend to find some coaching study material with solution if possible.

Still, some books I recommend are-

• Solomons(I used it personally and found it very useful)
• M.S. Chauhan's book for problems( An awesome collection of tough questions)
• Paula Bruice(Not JEE oriented, but has great explanation)
• Peter Sykes(For advanced learner and has tough language, not JEE oriented, but has good detail)
• Arihant(mainly for those without a coaching, as it would have all kinds of problems

So this was all about Organic Chemistry. The important things to remember are to make a diary containing all reactions and mechanisms(and exceptions). Use it for revision. It helps a lot in final revision. Keep the reactions on your tips, and read notes many times to remember them.

I hope you liked it. Feel free to comment any doubts.

All the best!!!

Also see: Inorganic Chemistry, Best books for JEE , Motivation, A complete JEE preparation guide, Organic Chemistry, Mechanics, Algebra,