Top DAT Organic Chemistry Flashcards and Mnemonics That Actually Stick
DAT Organic Chemistry is one of the most intimidating sections for many pre-dental students—but it doesn’t have to be. The trick isn’t just memorizing endless reactions—it’s finding study tools that actually stick in your brain.
At Dental School Declassified, we’ve helped hundreds of students crush Organic Chemistry using strategic flashcards, clever mnemonics, and active recall techniques that are actually aligned with how the DAT tests you.
In this post, we’re sharing our favorite DAT Organic Chemistry flashcards and memory tricks—the ones that actually work.
Why Flashcards and Mnemonics Matter
Organic Chemistry is full of reactions, mechanisms, functional groups, and reagents. Trying to brute-force memorize everything is a guaranteed path to burnout.
That’s why mnemonics and flashcards are powerful tools:
They simplify complex info
Boost long-term memory through repetition
Help you recall info faster on test day
Let’s get into the top DAT-ready examples.
🔑 Must-Know Organic Chemistry Flashcards
If you're building your flashcard deck or using a tool like Anki or Quizlet, these are some of the most high-yield topics to include:
1. SN1 vs. SN2
Front: SN1 vs. SN2 – Mechanism, Conditions, and Stereochemistry
Back:
SN1: 2 steps, carbocation intermediate, tertiary > secondary > primary, racemic mixture
SN2: 1 step, backside attack, methyl > primary > secondary, inversion of stereochemistry
2. E1 vs. E2
Front: Compare E1 vs. E2 reactions
Back:
E1: Two steps, forms carbocation, weak base
E2: One step, strong base required, anti-periplanar geometry
3. Common Reagents
Front: PCC
Back: Oxidizes primary alcohols → aldehydes and secondary alcohols → ketones (no overoxidation to carboxylic acid)
Front: NaBH₄ vs. LiAlH₄
Back: NaBH₄: Reduces aldehydes/ketones only; LiAlH₄: Reduces aldehydes, ketones, esters, and carboxylic acids
🧠 Mnemonics That Actually Stick
Let’s be honest—most mnemonics out there are forgettable. These are the ones our students swear by:
1. “SN2 = Second place = Backside Attack”
Second place runner starts behind = backside attack + inversion of configuration
(SN1 = "First place = Fast leaving" → carbocation, racemic)
2. “E2 is 2 for 2”
2 atoms eliminated (H and LG)
2 molecules involved (bimolecular)
Strong 2-base (B²) required
3. “Oxidation Ladder: PAC”
Primary alcohol → Aldehyde (via PCC) → Carboxylic acid (via H₂CrO₄)
Secondary alcohol → Ketone (via either)
4. “Anti = Opposite = E2 Geometry”
For E2, the beta hydrogen and leaving group must be anti-periplanar (on opposite sides of the molecule). Visualize it with “arms stretched out in opposite directions.”
5. “Z = Zame Zide”
Z (Zusammen) = same side
E (Entgegen) = opposite side
This helps with identifying E/Z isomerism in alkenes.
🎯 Tips for Making Your Own Effective Flashcards
If you’re creating your own flashcards (or modifying pre-made decks), follow these best practices:
✅ Keep them short and focused. One concept per card.
✅ Add visuals! Reaction mechanisms and skeletal structures stick better than text.
✅ Use color coding. For example: nucleophiles = green, electrophiles = red.
✅ Practice active recall. Don’t flip the card right away—try to retrieve the info first.
✅ Use spaced repetition (with tools like Anki) to retain over time.
Final Thoughts
Mastering DAT Organic Chemistry isn’t about memorizing everything—it’s about memorizing the right things in a way that actually sticks.
With the right flashcards, smart mnemonics, and consistent practice, you can walk into the DAT confident and ready to dominate this section.
At Dental School Declassified, our tutors have scored in the 98th percentile or higher on the DAT. We offer 1:1 Organic Chemistry tutoring, section-specific strategy sessions, and custom study plans to help you study efficiently and effectively.
🧪 Need help with DAT Organic Chemistry?
🎯 Book a session with one of our expert tutors today.
