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ACS ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FIRST SEMESTER
FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026- WELL
REVISED EXAM WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is an imine? How is it formed? - correct-answer -An imine is C=N:-H and it is
formed via attack of a carbonyl carbon by ammonia or a derivative, with loss of
water
What is an enamine? How is it formed? - correct-answer -An enamine is an alkene
+ a (substituted, usually) amine. It is formed when an ammonia or derivative
attacks a carbonyl carbon with loss of water. The water then eliminates a H,
allowing for formation of a C=C bond.
What is the first step in acetal formation? - correct-answer -Protonation of the
oxygen
What are the substituents of an acetal? Hemiacetal? - correct-answer -Acetal: -
OR, -OR, -R, -H
Hemiacetal: -OR, -OH, -R, -H
, 2
Can ethers be hydrolyzed in mildly acidic conditions? - correct-answer -No
Can NaBH4 reduce carboxylic acids/esters? - correct-answer -No
Weaker bases lead to more 1,4 or 1,2 additions in vinyl ketones? - correct-answer
-1,4
Is a N with three different groups chiral? Why or why not? - correct-answer -No;
the lone pair can flip sides so readily that the molecule does not retain
stereochemistry.
How do organocuprates react with carbonyl carbons? Alkenes? - correct-answer -
Organocuprates react with alkenes, but not with carbonyl carbons.
When are chromium agents used for oxidation? Manganese agents? - correct-
answer -Chromium in acidic conditions, manganese in basic conditions
ACS ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FIRST SEMESTER
FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026- WELL
REVISED EXAM WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is an imine? How is it formed? - correct-answer -An imine is C=N:-H and it is
formed via attack of a carbonyl carbon by ammonia or a derivative, with loss of
water
What is an enamine? How is it formed? - correct-answer -An enamine is an alkene
+ a (substituted, usually) amine. It is formed when an ammonia or derivative
attacks a carbonyl carbon with loss of water. The water then eliminates a H,
allowing for formation of a C=C bond.
What is the first step in acetal formation? - correct-answer -Protonation of the
oxygen
What are the substituents of an acetal? Hemiacetal? - correct-answer -Acetal: -
OR, -OR, -R, -H
Hemiacetal: -OR, -OH, -R, -H
, 2
Can ethers be hydrolyzed in mildly acidic conditions? - correct-answer -No
Can NaBH4 reduce carboxylic acids/esters? - correct-answer -No
Weaker bases lead to more 1,4 or 1,2 additions in vinyl ketones? - correct-answer
-1,4
Is a N with three different groups chiral? Why or why not? - correct-answer -No;
the lone pair can flip sides so readily that the molecule does not retain
stereochemistry.
How do organocuprates react with carbonyl carbons? Alkenes? - correct-answer -
Organocuprates react with alkenes, but not with carbonyl carbons.
When are chromium agents used for oxidation? Manganese agents? - correct-
answer -Chromium in acidic conditions, manganese in basic conditions
