Chemistry Mnemonics
10 proven memory aids to help you master key chemistry concepts.
OIL RIG - Redox Reactions
OIL RIG
The most important mnemonic for redox chemistry. OIL RIG helps you remember that Oxidation Is Loss of electrons while Reduction Is Gain of electrons. This is essential for balancing redox equations and understanding electrochemistry.
LEO the Lion says GER
LEO says GER
An alternative to OIL RIG that personifies the concept. Imagine a lion named Leo roaring "GER!" Loss of Electrons is Oxidation (LEO), Gain of Electrons is Reduction (GER).
BrINClHOF - Diatomic Elements
BrINClHOF (or: Have No Fear Of Ice Cold Beer)
Remember the seven elements that exist as diatomic molecules in their elemental form: Br2, I2, N2, Cl2, H2, O2, F2. Always write these as X2 when they appear as elements in equations.
Strong Acids Memory Aid
HI! I Bring Clean Strong HNO3 And Super HClO4
Remember the six strong acids that completely dissociate in water: HI, HBr, HCl, HNO3, H2SO4, and HClO4. If an acid isn't on this list, it's weak and requires Ka calculations.
Activity Series of Metals
Please Send Charlie's Monkeys And Zebras Into Lovely Happy Cages Signed Gordon
The activity series ranks metals by reactivity: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, H, Cu, Ag, Au. Metals higher in the series can displace those below from solutions.
Electron Configuration Order
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d 4p 5s 4d 5p 6s 4f 5d 6p 7s 5f 6d 7p
The aufbau principle filling order can be remembered with a diagonal diagram. Electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy, following s < p < d < f within similar energy levels.
Periodic Trends Direction
EN, IE, EA increase Right and Up (toward F); Atomic radius opposite
Electronegativity, ionization energy, and electron affinity all increase going right across a period and up a group. Atomic radius follows the opposite trend - increases left and down.
NAG SAG - Solubility Rules
NAG SAG: Nitrates, Acetates, Group 1 Always Soluble; Ammonium is Good
The easiest solubility rules to remember: all nitrates, all acetates, all Group 1 (alkali metal) compounds, and all ammonium compounds are soluble in water.
SN2 Reaction Conditions
SN2: Strong Nucleophile, Small substrate (1°), aprotic Solvent
Remember the conditions that favor SN2 over SN1: strong nucleophile, primary (small) substrate, and polar aprotic solvent. The opposite conditions favor SN1.
Organic Functional Group Priority
Carboxylic Acid Eats All Ants And Kids At (the) Aquarium
For IUPAC nomenclature when multiple functional groups are present: Carboxylic acid > Ester > Amide > Aldehyde > Ketone > Alcohol > Amine > Alkene > Alkyne.