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During a recent lesson, the students reviewed reaction mechanisms involving NaBH4 and DMSO, clarifying the roles of reagents and leaving groups. They then practiced determining the number of H and C NMR signals based on molecular symmetry and atomic environments, using example structures. One of the learners, a resident of Tallahassee, was assigned additional practice problems on NMR spectroscopy.

Anjali and a university learner from Oaktown were studying amino acid and peptide chemistry for an exam. They reviewed reactions like the HVZ reaction for alpha-halogenation of carboxylic acids, methods for synthesizing alpha and beta amino acids, and the formation of peptide bonds. The learner and Anjali discussed the use of protecting groups (BOC, CBZ, FMOC) and coupling reagents (DCC/EDC) in peptide synthesis to control reactivity and prevent unwanted side reactions. Anjali explained a retrosynthetic approach to solving peptide synthesis problems, emphasizing the importance of identifying peptide bonds, breaking them down into amino acid building blocks, and selecting appropriate reagents based on the type of amino acid (alpha or beta).

Anjali tutored Ashley on advanced organic chemistry concepts, including carbocation stability, SN1/SN2 mechanisms, kinetic vs. thermodynamic control, E2 reactions, Hoffman elimination, and Newman projections. Ashley practiced applying these concepts to specific problems, particularly focusing on determining product stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms. They discussed Ashley completing more practice problems and reaching out with further questions.

Anjali tutored Ashley on organic chemistry, covering reactions like malonic ester synthesis, Claisen condensation, esterification/hydrolysis, decarboxylation, Gabriel synthesis, diazonium salt reactions, Grignard reactions with cyanides, imine formation, SNAr, and SN1 reactions. They discussed enolate formation and reactivity, including intramolecular ring closures and stereochemistry (E/Z inolates). They also covered glucose hemiacetal formation (alpha/beta anomers), amide hydrolysis, amino acid transferases, and neighboring group participation.

Anjali explains several organic chemistry reactions to Ashley, including the haloform reaction, amine synthesis via azide/cyanide/amide reduction and the Gabriel phthalimide synthesis, imine/enamine reduction, and the Hoffman elimination. The Hoffman elimination involves exhaustive alkylation of amines to form a quaternary ammonium salt, followed by Ag2O-induced beta-elimination, favoring the less substituted alkene (Hoffman product) due to steric hindrance and an E2 mechanism.

Anjali tutored Ashley on organic chemistry, focusing on reaction mechanisms and reagent selectivity. They covered Grignard reagents, NaBH4, LiAlH4, DIBAL-H, Jones reagent, Wittig reaction, esterification, and reactions involving carboxylic acid derivatives, amides, and diazonium salts. Anjali emphasized recognizing reagents, understanding their function (nucleophile/electrophile, oxidizing/reducing agent), and identifying leaving groups to predict reaction products. They worked through example problems and discussed reaction pathways for converting carboxylic acids to esters and nitriles.