DAT Organic Chemistry Reaction Cheat Sheet: What You Need to Memorize
The Organic Chemistry section on the DAT can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to memorize dozens of reactions, mechanisms, and reagents. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to know every reaction ever taught. The DAT focuses on high-yield, foundational reactions that appear repeatedly.
That’s why we created this DAT Organic Chemistry Reaction Cheat Sheet—a quick, focused guide to the reactions you actually need to memorize to maximize your score.
Why Organic Chemistry Is High-Yield on the DAT
Organic Chemistry makes up a significant portion of the Survey of Natural Sciences section on the DAT. Many students lose points here because they focus too much on obscure details instead of mastering the core reactions that the DAT loves to test.
By zeroing in on commonly tested reaction types, mechanisms, and functional group transformations, you can study efficiently and avoid unnecessary stress.
DAT Organic Chemistry Reaction Cheat Sheet: Must-Know Reactions
✅ 1. Alkene Reactions
These are some of the most frequently tested reactions on the DAT.
Hydrohalogenation (HX)
Markovnikov addition of X
Hydration (H₂O + acid catalyst)
Markovnikov addition of OH
Halogenation (X₂)
Anti-addition of halogens
Hydroboration-Oxidation (BH₃/THF, H₂O₂/NaOH)
Anti-Markovnikov addition of OH (syn addition)
Ozonolysis (O₃, DMS or Zn/H₂O)
Cleaves double bonds into carbonyls
✅ 2. Alkyne Reactions
Hydrogenation (H₂, Pd/C)
Converts alkynes to alkanes
Lindlar’s Catalyst (H₂, Lindlar’s)
Forms cis-alkenes
Na/NH₃ Reduction
Forms trans-alkenes
Hydrohalogenation (HX)
Markovnikov addition of halogen
✅ 3. Substitution and Elimination Reactions
SN1 vs. SN2
SN1: Tertiary carbons, weak nucleophile, polar protic solvents
SN2: Methyl/primary carbons, strong nucleophile, polar aprotic solvents
E1 vs. E2
E1: Same conditions as SN1, forms most substituted alkene
E2: Strong base, anti-periplanar geometry required
✅ 4. Alcohol Reactions
Oxidation
PCC: Alcohol → Aldehyde (1° alcohol)
Jones Reagent: Alcohol → Carboxylic acid (1° alcohol)
Conversion to Halides
SOCl₂: Alcohol → Alkyl chloride
PBr₃: Alcohol → Alkyl bromide
Dehydration (H₂SO₄, heat)
Alcohol → Alkene (E1 reaction)
✅ 5. Carbonyl Reactions
Aldehyde/Ketone → Alcohol
Reduction: NaBH₄ or LiAlH₄
Grignard Addition
RMgX adds to carbonyl → Alcohol
Acetal Formation
Aldehyde + Alcohol → Acetal (protection reaction)
Aldol Reaction (basic conditions)
Enolate addition to carbonyl → β-hydroxy carbonyl
✅ 6. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Esterification
Carboxylic acid + Alcohol → Ester
Reduction
LiAlH₄: Carboxylic acid → Primary alcohol
Decarboxylation
Beta-keto acids lose CO₂ under heat
✅ 7. Aromatic Reactions (Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution)
Nitration (HNO₃, H₂SO₄)
Sulfonation (SO₃, H₂SO₄)
Halogenation (X₂, FeX₃)
Friedel-Crafts Alkylation/Acylation
Bonus: Must-Know DAT Reaction Mechanisms
SN1/SN2
E1/E2
Electrophilic addition to alkenes
Nucleophilic addition to carbonyls
Free radical halogenation
Acid/base catalyzed dehydration and hydrolysis
DAT Organic Chemistry Study Tips
Focus on reaction patterns rather than memorizing every reagent.
Practice reaction recognition under timed conditions.
Use flashcards for rapid reaction recall.
Prioritize understanding mechanisms—the DAT loves to test logical reaction steps.
Complete lots of practice questions to build speed and confidence.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to memorize an entire organic chemistry textbook to succeed on the DAT. By focusing on the reactions in this cheat sheet, mastering mechanisms, and practicing consistently, you can confidently tackle the Organic Chemistry section and boost your overall score.
👉 Ready to sharpen your skills? Check out our free DAT resources, practice questions, and high-yield DAT study guides on Dental School Declassified.
