Important Conversions in Organic Chemistry for NEET Exam

Organic chemistry is an essential part of the NEET exam, and having a good understanding of various conversions is crucial to excel in this subject. Here are some important conversions that you should know:


Substitution reactions involve the replacement of one functional group with another. Some important conversions in this category include:

- Halogenation: Conversion of an alkane to an alkyl halide using halogens like chlorine or bromine.
- Nitrilation: Conversion of an alkane to an alkyl nitrite using nitric acid.
- Sulfonation: Conversion of an alkane to an alkyl sulfonate using sulfuric acid.


Elimination reactions involve the removal of atoms or groups from a molecule to form a double bond. Some important conversions in this category include:

- Dehydrohalogenation: Conversion of an alkyl halide to an alkene using a strong base like potassium hydroxide.
- Dehydration: Conversion of an alcohol to an alkene using concentrated sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid.
- Decarboxylation: Conversion of a carboxylic acid to an alkene using heat.


Oxidation and reduction reactions involve the transfer of electrons. Some important conversions in this category include:

- Oxidation of alcohols: Primary alcohols can be converted to aldehydes or carboxylic acids, while secondary alcohols can be converted to ketones using oxidizing agents like potassium dichromate or pyridinium chlorochromate.
- Reduction of carbonyl compounds: Aldehydes and ketones can be converted to alcohols using reducing agents like sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum hydride.


Rearrangement reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms within a molecule to form a more stable compound. Some important conversions in this category include:

- Pinacol-Pinacolone rearrangement: Conversion of a 1,2-diol to a ketone using concentrated acid.
- Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement: Conversion of a tertiary alcohol to an alkene using acid.


Addition reactions involve the addition of atoms or groups to a molecule. Some important conversions in this category include:

- Hydrogenation: Conversion of an alkene to an alkane using hydrogen gas and a catalyst like palladium.
- Hydration: Conversion of an alkene to an alcohol using water and an acid catalyst.

Understanding and practicing these conversions will help you tackle the organic chemistry section of the NEET exam effectively. Make sure to study the mechanisms and conditions involved in each conversion to have a comprehensive understanding.