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DrX Whiz Niraj
POC-III Master Glossary
Every Important Definition You Need to Memorize for the Exam
Unit 1 & 2: Stereochemistry
Optical Isomerism
A type of stereoisomerism where molecules have the same molecular and structural formula but differ in their ability to rotate the plane of polarized light.
Enantiomers
Stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. They have identical physical properties but rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions.
Diastereomers
Stereoisomers that are NOT mirror images of each other. They possess different physical and chemical properties.
Meso Compounds
Compounds that contain two or more chiral centers but are optically inactive due to the presence of an internal plane of symmetry (Internal Compensation).
Racemic Mixture (Racemate)
An equimolar (50:50) mixture of dextrorotatory (d) and levorotatory (l) enantiomers of a chiral compound. It is optically inactive due to External Compensation.
Resolution
The process of separating a racemic mixture into its individual, pure enantiomers (d and l forms).
Asymmetric Synthesis
A chemical reaction in which a chiral molecule is synthesized from an achiral starting material, resulting in the unequal formation of stereoisomers (preferential formation of one enantiomer).
Geometrical Isomerism
A type of stereoisomerism that arises due to restricted rotation around a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) or a ring structure, leading to Cis/Trans or E/Z isomers.
Conformational Isomerism
A form of stereoisomerism in which isomers can be interconverted exclusively by free rotation around single (C-C) bonds (e.g., Staggered and Eclipsed forms).
Atropisomerism
A specific type of stereoisomerism resulting from restricted rotation around a single bond due to steric hindrance by bulky substituents (commonly seen in ortho-substituted biphenyls).
Stereospecific Reaction
A reaction in which stereoisomerically different reactants yield stereoisomerically different products. (Reactant dictates the product's stereochemistry).
Stereoselective Reaction
A reaction in which one specific stereoisomer is formed predominantly over other possible stereoisomers from the same reactant.
Unit 3 & 4: Heterocyclic Chemistry
Heterocyclic Compound
A cyclic organic compound that contains at least one atom other than carbon (such as Nitrogen, Oxygen, or Sulfur) as a member of the ring.
Aromaticity (HΓΌckel's Rule)
A property of cyclic, planar structures with a continuous cloud of delocalized pi-electrons containing (4n + 2) Ο electrons, making them exceptionally stable.
Paal-Knorr Synthesis
A chemical reaction used to synthesize five-membered heterocyclic compounds (Pyrrole, Furan, Thiophene) by heating a 1,4-dicarbonyl compound with ammonia, dehydrating agents, or phosphorus sulfides.
Hantzsch Pyridine Synthesis
A multi-component organic reaction between an aldehyde, two equivalents of a Ξ²-keto ester, and ammonia to synthesize substituted Pyridine derivatives.
Skraup Synthesis
A chemical reaction used to synthesize Quinoline by heating aniline with glycerol, concentrated sulfuric acid, and an oxidizing agent (like nitrobenzene).
Unit 5: Named Reactions (Principles)
Clemmensen Reduction
The acid-catalyzed reduction of aldehydes and ketones to their corresponding alkanes (CH2 group) using Zinc Amalgam (Zn-Hg) and Conc. HCl.
Wolff-Kishner Reduction
The base-catalyzed reduction of aldehydes and ketones to alkanes using Hydrazine (NH2NH2) and a strong base (KOH) under high heat.
Birch Reduction
The reduction of aromatic rings into non-conjugated 1,4-cyclohexadienes using an alkali metal (Sodium or Lithium) in liquid ammonia and an alcohol.
Beckmann Rearrangement
The acid-catalyzed conversion of a Ketoxime into an N-substituted Amide, involving the anti-migration of an alkyl/aryl group.
Schmidt Rearrangement
The acid-catalyzed reaction of a Carboxylic acid with Hydrazoic acid (HN3) to produce a primary amine, accompanied by the loss of Carbon dioxide and Nitrogen gas.
Oppenauer Oxidation
The selective oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones using aluminum isopropoxide in the presence of excess acetone (Reverse of MPV reduction).
Dakin Reaction
The oxidation of ortho- or para-hydroxylated benzaldehydes (or ketones) into Benzenediols (Phenols) using Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and a base.
Claisen-Schmidt Condensation
A crossed aldol condensation between an aromatic aldehyde (lacking alpha-hydrogens) and an aliphatic ketone (having alpha-hydrogens) in presence of a base to form an Ξ±,Ξ²-unsaturated ketone (Chalcone).