understanding proton transfers so you don’t cry later

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Timestamps:
1. Introduction - 0:00

2. Imine Formation from Carbonyl - 1:14
Dive into the process of imine formation by reacting carbonyl compounds with primary amines under acidic conditions. Learn about the mechanism, key intermediates, and the importance of pH in controlling the reaction.

3. Imine Hydrolysis to Carbonyl - 7:04
Master the reverse process—imine hydrolysis. See how imines break down to regenerate the original carbonyl compound under acidic aqueous conditions, and why this reaction is crucial in biological and synthetic pathways.

4. Strecker Synthesis - 16:08
Explore the Strecker synthesis, a classic method for creating α-amino acids from aldehydes. Understand how cyanide and ammonia work together in this two-step process and its significance in prebiotic chemistry.

5. Ester Hydrolysis - 25:10
Understand the breakdown of esters into their corresponding carboxylic acids and alcohols via acid or base-catalyzed hydrolysis. I’ll walk you through the mechanism and how to predict the products in different pH environments.

6. Amide Hydrolysis - 31:24
Break down the amide bond with amide hydrolysis, a slow but fundamental reaction. Learn how acid or base catalysts speed up the process and why amides are generally less reactive than esters.

7. Opening Up an Epoxide in Acidic Conditions - 41:43
Learn the step-by-step mechanism for opening an epoxide ring under acidic conditions. See how protonation primes the reaction and how the attack by a nucleophile determines the product.

8. Opening Up an Epoxide in Acidic Conditions with a More vs. Less Substituted Carbon - 52:43
Delve deeper into regioselectivity in epoxide opening. Discover how sterics and electronics influence whether the nucleophile attacks the more or less substituted carbon in acidic conditions.

9. Yapping Session - 1:04:23
Relax and unwind with a casual, off-topic discussion about life, study tips, and more. A fun break from intense chemistry content to connect and chat with the community.