Top 10 Organic Reactions Every NEET Aspirant Must Know (With Examples)

Organic Chemistry is one of the most important sections in NEET, JEE, and other entrance exams. In this post, we will explore the Top 10 organic reactions that are frequently asked, with examples, mechanisms, and tips to remember.

📘 Why Organic Reactions Matter in NEET?

Almost 25-30% of the NEET chemistry paper includes questions based on named reactions, their reagents, and products. Mastering them can help boost your score significantly.

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🔟 1. Aldol Condensation

Definition: A reaction where two molecules of aldehyde or ketone, having alpha-hydrogen, combine to form β-hydroxy aldehyde (aldol).

Example: 2 CH3CHO → CH3CH(OH)CH2CHO

Tips: Remember, aldol reaction needs base and alpha-H.

9️⃣ 2. Cannizzaro Reaction

Definition: Disproportionation of non-alpha hydrogen aldehydes in the presence of a base.

Example: 2 HCHO → HCOOH + CH3OH

8️⃣ 3. Friedel-Crafts Alkylation

Reagents: AlCl₃ + Alkyl Halide

Product: Alkyl benzene

Example: C₆H₆ + CH₃Cl → C₆H₅CH₃

7️⃣ 4. Kolbe’s Reaction

Phenol + NaOH + CO₂ → Salicylic Acid (Aspirin precursor)

Used in making antiseptic and pain-relief compounds.

6️⃣ 5. Wurtz Reaction

2 Alkyl halides + Na → Alkane

Example: 2 CH3Br + 2 Na → C2H6 + 2 NaBr

5️⃣ 6. Sandmeyer Reaction

Aromatic diazonium salt + CuX → Aryl halide

Used to prepare chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, etc.

4️⃣ 7. Gattermann Reaction

Similar to Sandmeyer but uses HCl and Cu powder instead of CuCl.

3️⃣ 8. Reimer–Tiemann Reaction

Phenol + CHCl₃ + NaOH → Salicylaldehyde

Important for aldehyde group addition.

2️⃣ 9. Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reaction

Alpha-halogenation of carboxylic acids using Br₂ + Red phosphorus.

1️⃣ 10. Hoffmann Bromamide Reaction

Amide + Br₂ + NaOH → Amine (1 carbon less)

Used for amine synthesis in organic chemistry.

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📝 Final Tips to Remember Organic Reactions

• Make flashcards for each reaction and revise weekly.
• Focus on mechanism + reagent + product.
• Use flowcharts or mind maps.

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