— Rohit Gupta NEET UG 2024: Organic Chemistry referred to as the chemistry of carbon compounds, forms the basis of life and is central to the study of biological processes, medicinal sciences and various industrial applications. Chemistry has always been one of the highest-scoring subjects in NEET UG examinations and organic chemistry has a multi-faceted role to play in it. Organic chemistry in NEET UG broadly constitutes chapters such as hydrocarbons from Class 11 and aldehydes and ketones, biomolecules, haloalkanes and haloarenes, alcohol, phenol and ether from Class 12. Key topics within Organic Chemistry 1. General Organic Chemistry forms a base for the subject in Class 11 in which you will get an insight about the basic terminologies and concepts to be used in the subject. Concept of aromaticity and resonance is exhaustively used in the subject. 2. Hydrocarbons include the study of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzenoids. A basic understanding of IUPAC naming, isomerism and reaction of hydrocarbons sets a strong foundation for the more complex reactions. 3. Compounds containing Oxygen: Chapters such a alcohol, phenol, ether & carbonyl compounds constitute the most part of any NEET UG chemistry paper as this segment includes all the major named reactions such as Aldol condensation, Cannizaro reaction, Iodoform test and many more. Questions may range from Identifying functional groups to predicting reaction outcomes and intermediates, necessitating a solid foundation in the chemistry of these compounds. 4. Biomolecules such as carbohydrates proteins, lipids, nucleic acid, enzymes are building blocks of living organisms. In NEET UG examination, questions related to simple identification many be asked. However, sometimes more intricate questions based on structures and functions can also be asked. 5. Reaction Mechanisms – Organic chemistry is a subject that demands understanding of concepts and reasons behind a reaction that is occurring. This is that segment that no NEET UG aspirant expecting selection can ignore. understanding the electron-pushing arrows in mechanisms, the concept of nucleophiles and electrophiles and factors influencing rate of reactions are critical for according complex organic reactions. Questions based on electrophilic and nucleophilic substitutions frequently appear in NEET UG examinations. A nuanced understanding of the factors influencing reaction outcomes such as electronic effects and steric hinderance is essential for accurate problem solving. Interlinked nature of Organic Chemistry This role of organic chemistry in NEET-UG is not just confined to isolated topics but involves an integrative approach that draws connections between different facets of the subject. For instance, the chapters that are studied in Class 11 such as General Organic Chemistry, isomerism and hydrocarbons eventually get a significant weightage in Class 12 and help in easing the complicated reactions of compounds containing ‘O’ and ‘N’ and make them look like a price of cake. Scoring strategies for Organic Chemistry - Regular practice is crucial for mastering organic chemistry. Solve mock tests and previous years’ question papers. Consider investing time in solving problems involving mechanisms. This will not just increase your marks but also your love for the subject. - Make mind maps: Try to recognise the interconnections of various organic chemistry topics. Understand how different concepts relate to each other and their implications in diverse contexts. - Concept clarity: While memorisation is necessary for certain aspects of organic chemistry, focus on underlying principles, mechanisms and key concept clarity is equally important. (The writer is the Chief Academic Officer at Physics Wallah)
