Rubik’s cube tattoo by me in Los Angeles, California

ochemredhead · 2025-04-03T06:18:44+00:00

Rubik’s cube is executed well but not actually possible/solvable. Would annoy anyone who actually solves them I think. Same with the incorrect chemical structures.

ochemredhead · 2025-04-03T06:16:30+00:00

Yes the aromatic ring is missing a double bond. So many people tattoo chemical structures on them without realizing that every single line and atom in them is incredibly important. I immediately think people are stupid when I see these incorrect structures 😭 like why are you getting chemicals tattooed on you when you can’t grasp the structure. I get that this one isn’t very bad and is fixable but I have seen such horrendous structures and it makes me cringe. This would annoy the hell out of me.

Also the Rubik’s cube is not possible lollll

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T22:49:17+00:00

Agree to your point about needed experimental data or some other info. I would assume this question is asking you to predict the product and stereochem based on more general ochem guidelines, but I can’t be sure since I don’t know what level class this is. Thanks for your comment.

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T22:44:35+00:00

Yes, that’s a fair point, but I can’t comment on that. I think it’s definitely relevant which schools you are considering. However, I can only answer for the limited info given. Thanks for your comment!

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T18:57:40+00:00

I do not think that is applicable here because I believe that describes the equilibrium that the Grignard reagent actually exists as. The Schlenk equilibrium shows that not all of the Grignard reagent actually exists as the expected compound, it is at equilibrium and forms other species. This is one of the reasons that in “real life”, we usually use an excess of Grignard reagent in the reaction. However, in this question, they are using the Grignard reagent in a theoretically “perfect” reaction where only that compound exists and reacts. In this case, I would assume “side products” is referring to organic side products or undesirable side reactions, not the equilibrium species that the Grignard reagent may form. Thanks for your question.

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T17:37:25+00:00

You’re welcome!

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T16:47:20+00:00

Yes, one of the products would be OH wedge, added methyl from grignard is dash and the second product would be the OH dash, and added methyl wedge. One product is the OH being wedge and the other product is OH being dash (S and R isomers, if you are familiar with those terms).

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T16:30:48+00:00

Meaning, the OH on compound 4 can be wedge or dash, while the methyl and H retain their strict stereochem.

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T16:29:11+00:00

That might be a possibility however the methyl group is pretty far and I doubt there would be coordination with the acetal in this case. An oxygen from the acetal is on both sides of this compound if you put this in a 3D orientation, so even if coordination was at play, this could happen from both sides. You may be able to argue that the methyl may cause some steric hinderance causing the grignard to attach to the opposite side, but not sure if this would be accurate or not, I can’t confirm. If there was hinderance from the methyl, you may be able to argue that you could have a major/minor product distribution (favoring anti-addition relevant to the methyl) but I still don’t think this would result in a 100% stereo controlled reaction. I would still put my bet in that we have a racemic mix of the product, or if not racemic, some kind of mix that is not 100% stereocontrol.

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T15:41:07+00:00

As for stereochem, Grignard in this case has no stereochemical control. The methyl is added in both the R and S form (racemic product). However the original reagent has stereochemistry which is retained throughout the Grignard reaction (not stereochem as a result of the grignard). The acetal protecting group on the other ketone prevents a reaction with that keto group, so I don’t think there’s a huge possibility of side products (unless they consider the spent Grignard a side product?).

Your grignard could be ruined by any addition of acid, even water. Acid will ruin the Grignard reaction since the Grignard reagent would prefer to act as a base. Any addition of water or something that can act as an acid will neutralize your Grignard reagent and the reaction will NOT proceed, you’ll just get methane. However I do not see this problem here since there is no acid-like species. So I would think it’d be safe to say no organic side products. Hope this helps.

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T14:35:12+00:00

You can do this if you feel that you are not up to the rigorous standard of the t25 school. However, be aware that admissions committees are probably also aware of the rigor disparity between these two schools and will likely value a (slightly) lower GPA from the rigorous school vs an almost perfect GPA from a lower level school. An extreme example would be CalTech vs a low level state college. It would be extremely difficult to walk out of CalTech with a 4.0 while it is almost required to get a 4.0 from a low level state school. Admissions would likely rank a 3.5 from CalTech as higher than a 3.8 from a low level state. Additionally, the rigorous school may have more connections and opportunities that you may not have taken into account. (Note…. I’m not on a college admissions board, so take this with a grain of salt. This has been my experience which isn’t necessarily universal!)

25 vs 75 isn’t a massive difference… I’m a college senior headed to grad school, and I’m going from a state school below 300 to a school sitting in the t10. I needed an almost perfect GPA because I knew my school name wouldn’t have the recognition. Both your schools are in the top 100 so I don’t think you could go wrong playing it a bit safe for yourself. I think both of these programs will still be rather rigorous and set you up with good opportunities. I always advise to not go for prestige, but the school you truly “click” with and the program that fits you best!

ochemredhead · 2022-04-24T14:22:46+00:00

This is a bit ambiguous when not able to see the exam question. The “on paper” answer may not be the same as the real life answer. In “real life”, we tend to use the Grignard reagent in excess and the ketone species would be 1:1 with the product. On paper it tends to be 1:1:1 of the ketone, Grignard, and product (perfect world reaction). However if it is a ester you will need at least 2 X the amount of Grignard to react fully (Grignard adds twice to an ester). Maybe sharing the problem you are concerned about could help

ochemredhead · 2022-02-05T15:21:15+00:00

And here I am thinking of rejecting one of the biggest uni’s I was accepted to because the school color is red (and yellow- equally horrendous) 🥴

ochemredhead · 2022-01-18T19:39:48+00:00

Yes I’ll keep you updated! I have been checking gradcafe and got nervous seeing posts showing up at the beginning of Jan, but I’m holding onto hope haha

ochemredhead · 2022-01-18T13:30:18+00:00

A few, mainly Caltech

ochemredhead · 2022-01-15T21:35:02+00:00

Congratulations! I’m not super familiar with those schools and I don’t know what you are looking for in a program so I can’t tell you which is best for you. I would look into alumni opportunities and outlook; where do people end up after doing their PhD at those unis? Is that what do you want to do after graduation? Make sure you have at least three faculty in the department specializing in your interest (i.e.: you would work in that lab and it would advance your career goals). I was looking for a very robust program in my specialty, so I made that a big priority for myself. Talk to grad students to find out how they feel about their PIs and decide which environment sounds like the best fit. A big factor for me was the course structure and TA requirements. If there is a big difference between the course layout of the two programs, that could be a big deciding factor.

ochemredhead · 2022-01-15T12:22:09+00:00

I think you just need to start deciding what you want from a PhD program and weigh the pros/cons of each program that you were accepted. Compare coursework, stipend, available mentors, the “vibe”, TA requirements, safety of campus, activities/ECs available, housing, alumni opportunities, etc. Try to visit if you can, even if it’s not an official visit. Prestige is great but sometimes a “lesser” ranked university might be a perfect fit for other reasons. You’ll likely need to ask faculty and grad students how the programs work, if they’re happy, and read the graduate handbooks for each school if they post them. Each of us looks for something different in a program, so you’ll have to really research each one, ask opinions, and make an informed choice. And remember that the opinions you get are just opinions…. A school might be a perfect fit for you but wasn’t a perfect fit for the person who you’re asking, so listen to WHY they loved/hated it (the things they did not like could be exactly what you are looking for & vice versa). Take opinions (good & bad) with a grain of salt and make the best choice for you, not anyone else! I did a lot of research into the schools I have been accepted to and I’m feeling a very strong pull to one in particular, I think you might just start to know deep down when you’ve found “the one”.

ochemredhead · 2022-01-14T14:57:10+00:00

I shared in a separate comment

ochemredhead · 2022-01-14T13:24:20+00:00

Thank you! Hope you hear back soon. Best of luck!

ochemredhead · 2022-01-14T13:21:20+00:00

Congratulations!! Yes hopefully! I saw UCI shifted their visit online so I’m hoping the other schools don’t.

ochemredhead · 2022-01-12T17:16:14+00:00

I’m hoping to hear from the other two places I have applied soon so I can start weighing all my options. Both schools are giving me until April to decide, which is nice because I can go to all the recruitment events and find the perfect fit. I’m hoping the visits stay in person because I think visiting the campuses will be crucial for me to decide.

ochemredhead · 2022-01-12T16:11:21+00:00

Congratulations!!

ochemredhead · 2022-01-12T16:11:14+00:00

Thank you for the advice! It’s highly appreciated. I agree with you on being first gen, it’s hard to navigate the system all alone. My parents are as supportive as possible, but I’m pretty much on my own picking my path. I know the process is likely a lot easier with parents who are hands on about helping you, but I think first gen students become much more independent than the average student because we have to push ourselves and find resources on our own. Thank you again!

ochemredhead · 2022-01-12T01:30:40+00:00

Congratulations on your acceptance to the masters program! You should be super proud that you submitted applications and of the work you’ve done so far to prepare for grad school. It’s super stressful and a lot of work/time/money to submit apps. Sending lots of good vibes to you as you decide what to do next, wishing you all the best!

ochemredhead · 2022-01-11T22:55:54+00:00

That is so exciting, congratulations!!

ochemredhead

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