Organic Chemistry: Introductory Topics

Organic Chemistry is a huge topic in A-Level (Advanced Level) Chemistry, especially H2 (Higher 2) Chemistry in Singapore. It requires students to:

1. understand the reaction mechanism & concepts
2. remember the reaction conditions & types of reactants
3. ability to apply to real-life organic molecules

The Introductory Topics (usually Topic 1 in Organic Chemistry) is the most important, if you ask me. This topic covers all the key fundamentals such as:

• Different types of formulae (empirical, molecular, structural, displayed, skeletal, etc)
• Basic terminologies in organic chemical reactions
• Functional groups of different homologous series
• Nomenclature based on IUPAC
• Bonding & shapes of organic molecules
• Isomerism

As such, it is very important that students master this topic before they proceed to other Organic Chemistry topics later, as shown:

• Alkanes & Cylcoalkanes
• Alkenes & Cycloalkenes
• Arenes (Benzene Ring system)
• Halogen Derivatives
• Hydroxy Compounds (Alcohols & Phenols)
• Carbonyl Compounds (Aldehydes & Ketones)
• Carboxylic Acids & Its Derivatives (Esters & Acid Chlorides)
• Nitrogen Compounds (Amines, Amides, Amino Acids & Proteins)

I hope you find the content easy for your understanding and if you have any questions, leave me a comment below. Feel free to share this blog post with your friends. I will be sharing more about Organic Chemistry in this website specifically for A-Level students taking the H2 Chemistry Exam in Singapore. The discussions will also be suitable for H1, H3, IB as well as other equivalent syllabus.

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PS: Under related articles below, there are several blog post discussions and questions related to Isomerism in Organic Chemistry. You can also do a keyword search using the search box at the top right hand corner.

Related Articles:

• Topics in A-Level H2 Chemistry (9729) Syllabus
• Organic Chemistry: Isomerism in Organic Compounds
• Organic Chemistry: Key Concepts in Introductory Topics, Alkanes, Alkenes & Arenes
• Organic Chemistry: Constitutional (Structural) Isomerism
• Organic Chemistry – What is Reflux?

Sean Chua

Winners Education Centre Pte. Ltd.

Many know me as the Ten Year Series book author for JC A-Level H2 Chemistry and O-Level Pure Chemistry. My 19+ years of coaching experience (since 1999) with more than 1500 students from 180+ JCs and Secondary Schools has allowed me to understand the true reasons why students are not able to perform well in Chemistry. Most importantly, my strength lies in using everyday analogies (even grandmothers can understand!) to simplify abstract concepts. Also, my teaching methodology has been designed to be fun, enjoyable and effective for my students.

If you want to have an enjoyable time learning Chemistry and being motivated to excel in Chemistry, contact me today at 9828 7357