Introduction

 Organic chemistry is a vast, vast subject. So much so, that even famous chemists like Friedrich Wöhler said (back in the 19th century):

“Organic chemistry nowadays drives me mad. To me it looks like a primeval tropical forest full of the most remarkable things, a dreadful endless jungle into which one does not dare enter for there seems to be no way out. ”

Even today, I seem to be in deep agreement with Wöhler. Especially the “tropical forest full of remarkable things” part. There is a lot going on around us, and I’ll be happy to wager that if you stand in the center of a huge crowd (which you shouldn’t, given the current circumstances) 99% of whatever meets your eye will have something or the other to do with organic chemistry. This branch of chemistry is involved right from the milk you pour into your cereal in the morning, up till the dreams you have at night. It’s literally everywhere, and we still don’t know 100% about it! (There are, of course, some secrets nature wants to hide from us.)

In this blog, I will first focus on understanding the basic principles that govern organic chemistry, and then slowly move on to sophisticated reactions. As for the very beginning, let’s start by learning why carbon got a whole subject dedicated to itself.