Studying for organic chemistry??

so i'm taking organic chemistry in a month or two, and i'm wondering if they're any tips on studying ahead of time. i've started reading the book (volhardt vol 5), and it doesn't seem too hard. but i've heard that we have to learn all the functional. should i just read the book and memorize those 30+ functional groups? or is there something more that i can do? I'm really trying to go for the A in this class. Tks in advance.

Answer:
Memorizing the functional groups is a good start. Knowing the difference between an ether and and ester is crucial for later in the semester in terms of reactivity.
The best way to learn OChem is to learn it not just try to memorize everything- there are too many exceptions to each rule and concept. Get a study group, work the book problems and find ways to make connections between concepts. Get help early from the prof and don't wait till the 2nd or 3rd exam to get help- by then it's too late.
Also, remain positive about the class even when it gets tough- positive thinking and being confident can really do wonders.
Good start. If you can get through the IUPAC naming system and get a general feel for naming chemicals, when you see them used as examples, you will not be confused by them. Unfortunately, Organic 1 is mostly memory. If you can find a used Condensed Chemical Dictionary, it will make life more interesting. Looking up a chemical and just learning MP,BP, soluability etc. is so boring that you will soon be sick of it. The Dictionary will tell about a chemical, sometimes it's origan, it's use and some precautions about the use of the chemical. Makes it come alive. As you go through advanced, you will learn that normal industry uses high pressure and temp to simply make most of the ~ 160 basic organics that are used in a majority of chemical processes. Not the complicated, time consuming stuff you do in the lab. Be aware that most of what you work with can hurt you in some way and DO NOT tolerate any horseplay in a lab where you work. I just subbed for a teacher on leave just before the finals and was amazed at the number who failed simply because they did not study or do the homework. A teacher is always willing to help a student who is willing to work for 'A's' A boring teacher will make it miserable, a good one will have interesting stories to tell. My Organic teacher was a pyro)maniac?) (expert? in explosives) Many stories of disposal of explosives. Still remember his advice after 40 years.

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