Welcome to PeoplesChemist.Com!
Greetings from the People's Chemist! My name is Josh Payette and I am a grad student studying synthetic organic chemistry at the University of Chicago. I have created this site to provide free tutorial help to anyone taking undergrad organic chemistry.
Click the icon below to open up a ChemDraw applet. Draw the molecule of interest and type your question in the box underneath. I guarantee within 24 hrs the answer to your question will be posted on this homepage. Optionally, you may leave your email address for immediate notification when the answer has been posted.
Please feel free to use this service as often as needed. Organic chemistry can be difficult so don't feel embarrassed to ask a question that may seem trivial. Additionally, tough questions seem to roll frequently in homework and on tests; I've got those covered too. Note: the applet may take a little practice- but it works! You will need Java installed (which comes with most computers) too.
To get started with asking your question....
Latest 5 Questions
Q#136: Buy While Low
Submitted On 07/29/08 by Anonymous:Hey Josh,
I opened up an online brokerage account. I'm going to play the market and get rich!
Good chemistry advice!
Q#130: Primary Amine
Submitted On 07/24/08 by Anonymous:For what is this molecule used?
Structure:The two structures you send me are primary amines. Amines have hundreds of uses. The second one you sent me with two hydroxy groups attached to an aromatic ring in general terminology is known as a catechol derivative. The oil from poison ivy leaves that causes itchy rashes on the skin is urushiol which are catechol derivatives containing long saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain. A common member of this family is shown.
Q#127: Nitromethane
Submitted On 07/24/08 by Anonymous:How is this molecule used in organic chemistry?
Answer By jpayette:Nitromethane has several important uses in synthetic organic chemistry. Due to the electron-withdrawing capability of the nitro group the adjacent alpha-protons are acidic (pKa = 10.2)and can be deprotonated with a strong base. The resulting anion can add to aldehydes or Michael acceptors in 1,2 or 1,4 addition reactions, respectively.
Q#122: WEBMASTER SPEAKS
Submitted On 07/22/08 by Anonymous:Hey Josh, I fixed the Chemdraw applet. It's been dead for like a year. Sorry about not fixing it sooner!
Nick
Answer Here
Q#119: herbal cleanse
Submitted On 07/20/08 by hpeterson9:What is a good herbal cleanse?
Answer By jpayette:eat a couple of poison ivy leaves and wash them down with some vitamin-water