Organic Chemistry contributes 30-35% of NEET Chemistry (54 marks out of 180). Name reactions are the backbone of organic chemistry, and mastering them is non-negotiable for scoring 160+ in Chemistry.

Why Name Reactions are Important

Weightage: 15-18 questions annually (60-72 marks) Difficulty: Moderate (pattern-based) Success Rate: 90%+ if you know the reactions

Classification of Name Reactions

1. Substitution Reactions

Sandmeyer Reaction

• Converts diazonium salt to aryl halide
• Reagent: CuX (X = Cl, Br)
• Example: C6H5N2+Cl- + CuCl → C6H5Cl + N2

Gattermann Reaction

• Similar to Sandmeyer but uses Cu powder + HX
• Better yield for iodides

2. Addition Reactions

Markovnikov's Rule

• H adds to carbon with more H
• Example: CH3CH=CH2 + HBr → CH3CHBrCH3

Anti-Markovnikov (Peroxide Effect)

• Opposite of Markovnikov
• Only with HBr (not HCl or HI)

3. Elimination Reactions

Saytzeff Rule

• More substituted alkene is major product
• Example: (CH3)2CHCH2Br + KOH → (CH3)2C=CH2 (major)

Hoffmann Elimination

• Less substituted alkene from quaternary ammonium
• Opposite of Saytzeff

Important Name Reactions Table

Reaction	Reagent	Product	Use
Wurtz	Na + dry ether	Alkane	C-C coupling
Friedel-Crafts Alkylation	RCl + AlCl3	Alkyl benzene	Add alkyl group
Friedel-Crafts Acylation	RCOCl + AlCl3	Ketone	Add acyl group
Clemmensen Reduction	Zn-Hg + HCl	Alkane	Reduce C=O
Wolff-Kishner	NH2NH2 + KOH	Alkane	Reduce C=O
Rosenmund Reduction	H2 + Pd-BaSO4	Aldehyde	Reduce acid chloride
Etard Reaction	CrO2Cl2	Aldehyde	Oxidize CH3
Cannizzaro	Conc. NaOH	Alcohol + Acid	Disproportionation

Detailed Reaction Mechanisms

Friedel-Crafts Alkylation

Mechanism:

1. Generation of carbocation: RCl + AlCl3 → R+ + AlCl4-
2. Electrophilic attack on benzene
3. Deprotonation to restore aromaticity

Limitations:

• Cannot use with NH2, OH (deactivating)
• Carbocation rearrangement possible
• Multiple substitution occurs

Cannizzaro Reaction

Conditions: No alpha-hydrogen aldehyde + conc. NaOH

Example: 2HCHO + NaOH → CH3OH + HCOONa

Mechanism:

1. Nucleophilic attack by OH-
2. Hydride transfer
3. Simultaneous oxidation-reduction

Conversion Problems Strategy

Common Conversions Asked:

1. Benzene → Nitrobenzene → Aniline
2. Ethanol → Ethene → Ethyne
3. Toluene → Benzoic acid → Benzaldehyde

Step-by-Step Example: Benzene to Aniline:

1. Benzene + HNO3/H2SO4 → Nitrobenzene
2. Nitrobenzene + Sn/HCl → Aniline

Memory Tricks

Mnemonic for Reduction Reactions: "Clever Women Reduce Stress"

• Clemmensen (Zn-Hg/HCl)
• Wolff-Kishner (NH2NH2/KOH)
• Rosenmund (H2/Pd-BaSO4)
• Stephen (SnCl2/HCl)

Mnemonic for Oxidation: "KEPT Clean"

• KMnO4
• Etard (CrO2Cl2)
• PCC (Pyridinium chlorochromate)
• Tollens (Ag2O)
• Chromic acid

High-Yield Reactions for NEET

Must-Know (Appear Every Year)

1. Friedel-Crafts Reactions (2-3 questions)
2. Cannizzaro Reaction (1 question)
3. Sandmeyer/Gattermann (1-2 questions)
4. Markovnikov/Anti-Markovnikov (1 question)
5. Reduction Reactions (2 questions)

Moderate Frequency

1. Wurtz Reaction
2. Kolbe's Electrolysis
3. Reimer-Tiemann
4. Aldol Condensation

Practice Strategy

Week 1: Learn all substitution reactions Week 2: Master addition and elimination Week 3: Oxidation and reduction reactions Week 4: Conversion problems (100+)

Common Mistakes

❌ Confusing Clemmensen with Wolff-Kishner ❌ Forgetting limitations of Friedel-Crafts ❌ Not knowing peroxide effect works only with HBr ❌ Mixing up Sandmeyer and Gattermann

Quick Revision Checklist

✅ All name reactions with reagents ✅ Mechanisms of top 10 reactions ✅ Limitations of each reaction ✅ Conversion problems (50+) ✅ Mnemonics for quick recall

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Master these reactions and secure 60+ marks in Organic Chemistry!