Use when reasoning about polar organic reaction mechanisms, arrow pushing, SN1/SN2/E1/E2, nucleophile/electrophile identification, Zaitsev/Hofmann selectivity, HSAB rules, or retrosynthesis. Applies the EASE framework step-by-step.

Organic Mechanisms — EASE Framework

Source: AceOrganicChem.com Ace Organic Chemistry Mechanisms with E.A.S.E. (2013) + standard references (Clayden, March).

When to Use

Any polar organic mechanism or synthesis problem. Apply EASE iteratively — one step at a time, rinse and repeat.

The Four Steps (Quick Reference)

E — Electrophile   Identify E+ and Nu−. Use resonance if unclear.
A — Acid/Base      Strong acid/base present? Move proton FIRST before continuing.
S — Sterics        Bulky group on Nu or E+? Reassess: block / carbocation / overcome.
E — Electron Flow  Nu− → E+. Draw curved arrows. Check valence. Done?
                   If not, repeat from Step 1 with new intermediates.

Reference Files

File	Content
`ease-framework.md`	Full step-by-step logic, decision rules, worked examples
`electrophiles-nucleophiles.md`	Identification rules, pKa table, nucleophilicity scales
`sterics-substitution.md`	SN1/SN2/E1/E2 decision tree, steric groups, Zaitsev/Hofmann
`electron-flow.md`	Arrow pushing, HSAB (1,2 vs 1,4), intra vs inter, stereochemistry
`retrosynthesis.md`	Disconnections, synthons, FGI, toolbox (C–C / C–X / FGI)
`method-limits.md`	When EASE fails: RedOx table, radicals, organometallics

Quick Routing

"What is the mechanism?" → ease-framework.md "Which product forms?" → sterics-substitution.md (SN/E) or electron-flow.md (HSAB) "How do I make X from Y?" → retrosynthesis.md "Reagent does something weird" → method-limits.md "I can't find the nucleophile" → electrophiles-nucleophiles.md (draw resonance structures)

Core Rule

Electrons always flow from nucleophile to electrophile. Arrows point to where electrons are going. If you cannot identify a nucleophile, draw all resonance structures first.