By name: organic-mechanisms description: Use when reasoning about polar organic reaction mechanisms, arrow pushing, SN1/SN2/E1/E2, nucleophile/electrophile identification, Zaitsev/Hofmann selectivity, HSAB rules, or retrosynthesis. Applies the EASE framework step-by-step.
Organic Mechanisms — EASE Framework
Source: AceOrganicChem.com Ace Organic Chemistry Mechanisms with E.A.S.E. (2013) + standard references (Clayden, March).
When to Use
Any polar organic mechanism or synthesis problem. Apply EASE iteratively — one step at a time, rinse and repeat.
The Four Steps (Quick Reference)
E — Electrophile Identify E+ and Nu−. Use resonance if unclear.
A — Acid/Base Strong acid/base present? Move proton FIRST before continuing.
S — Sterics Bulky group on Nu or E+? Reassess: block / carbocation / overcome.
E — Electron Flow Nu− → E+. Draw curved arrows. Check valence. Done?
If not, repeat from Step 1 with new intermediates.
Reference Files
| File | Content |
|---|---|
ease-framework.md |
Full step-by-step logic, decision rules, worked examples |
electrophiles-nucleophiles.md |
Identification rules, pKa table, nucleophilicity scales |
sterics-substitution.md |
SN1/SN2/E1/E2 decision tree, steric groups, Zaitsev/Hofmann |
electron-flow.md |
Arrow pushing, HSAB (1,2 vs 1,4), intra vs inter, stereochemistry |
retrosynthesis.md |
Disconnections, synthons, FGI, toolbox (C–C / C–X / FGI) |
method-limits.md |
When EASE fails: RedOx table, radicals, organometallics |
Quick Routing
"What is the mechanism?" → ease-framework.md
"Which product forms?" → sterics-substitution.md (SN/E) or electron-flow.md (HSAB)
"How do I make X from Y?" → retrosynthesis.md
"Reagent does something weird" → method-limits.md
"I can't find the nucleophile" → electrophiles-nucleophiles.md (draw resonance structures)
Core Rule
Electrons always flow from nucleophile to electrophile. Arrows point to where electrons are going. If you cannot identify a nucleophile, draw all resonance structures first.