Tom Rutherford

University of California - Davis
Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences Peer Tutor

Biography

I began to form an interest in chemistry as early as sophomore year of high school, during which I took and exceeded in Honors Chemistry. After moving on to AP chemistry, I was hooked! There was something so unique about the subject...it wasn’t quite math, but it wasn’t quite the science I was used to, either. I decided to pursue a biochemistry/molecular biology degree at the University of California, Davis. Although it is a more biology-heavy major than it is chemistry, I chose to take as many chemistry courses as the unit-cap allows, such as general chemistry for life sciences, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, and anything in-between. I have found a particular niche in organic chemistry, where I have moved my experience beyond the classroom and into my own professor-approved office hours. During these biweekly, two hour office hours, I stand in front of a whiteboard and teach concepts, going over practice problems of my own design and asking/answering questions. These office hours have truly opened my eyes to the world of teaching. I have discovered that I am very passionate about helping people learn and am constantly thinking of ways to teach a concept in the most easy-to-understand approach.

Education

BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of California - Davis
BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of California - Davis

Educator Statistics

Numerade tutor for 6 years
532 Students Helped

Topics Covered

Understanding Chemical Bonding: The Key to Molecular Structure
Discover the Properties of Alkyl Halides | Essential Guide
Discover the Power of Organic Compounds: Benefits and Uses
Carboxylic Acids: Properties, Reactions, and Applications
Condensations and Alpha Substitutions of Carbonyl Compounds Explained
Unlock the Secrets of Organic Chemistry: Essential Guide
Understanding Structure and Bonding: A Comprehensive Guide
Unlocking the Wonders of Organic Chemistry: An Introduction
Mastering the Structure & Synthesis of Alcohols: A Comprehensive Guide
Exploring the Chemistry of Alcohol Reactions
Ethers, Epoxides, and Thioethers: Understanding their Properties
Discover the Power of Amines: Benefits, Uses, and More
Discover the Wonders of Chemistry: Your Introductory Guide
Discover the Power of Liquids: Boost Your Health and Wellness Today!
Exploring Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Properties and Applications

Tom's Textbook Answer Videos

07:48
Chemistry A Molecular Approach

Determine the molecular geometry and sketch each molecule or ion using the bond conventions shown in "Representing Molecular Geometries on Paper" in Section 10.4.
\begin{equation}\text { a. }\mathrm{SF}_{4} \quad \text { b. } \mathrm{ClF}_{3} \quad \text { c. } \mathrm{IF}_{2}^{-} \quad \text { d. } \operatorname{IBr}_{4}^{-}\end{equation}

Chapter 10: Chemical Bonding ll: Molecular Shapes, Valence Bond Theory, and Molecular Orbital Theory
Tom Rutherford
02:28
Organic Chemistry

Add curved arrows to the following reactions to indicate the flow of electrons for all of the bond-forming and bond-breaking steps. (FIGURE CAN'T COPY)

Chapter 3: Acids and Bases
Tom Rutherford
05:49
Organic Chemistry

Write equations showing the Lewis acid-base reaction that takes place when:
(a) Methanol $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\right)$ reacts with $\mathrm{BF}_{3}$.
(b) Chloromethane $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{Cl}\right)$ reacts with $\mathrm{AlCl}_{3}$.
(c) Dimethyl ether $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OCH}_{3}\right)$ reacts with $\mathrm{BF}_{3}$.

Chapter 3: Acids and Bases
Tom Rutherford
03:53
Organic Chemistry

Which of the following are potential Lewis acids and which are potential Lewis bases? (FIGURE CAN'T COPY)

Chapter 3: Acids and Bases
Tom Rutherford
03:24
Organic Chemistry

Use the curved-arrow notation to write the reaction that would take place between $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{2} \mathrm{NH}$ and boron trifluoride. Identify the Lewis acid, Lewis base, nucleophile, and electrophile and assign appropriate formal charges.

Chapter 3: Acids and Bases
Tom Rutherford
07:24
Organic Chemistry

Using the $\mathrm{p} K_{a}$ values of analogous compounds in Table $3.1,$ predict which would be the stronger base. (FIGURE CAN'T COPY)

Chapter 3: Acids and Bases
Tom Rutherford
1 2 3 4 5 ... 87