Backside Attack 4+

Extremely thoughtful gamification of organic chemistry, the subject that many students dread the most. Backside Attack actually makes it fun and digestible! And each lesson goes into a level of depth that really reinforces your learning.

There are multiple levels for different topics, each building on fundamental concepts. This app is best used alongside your studies, but also nice if you’re just bored, on the toilet, in between sets at the gym, or even on a first date (one way to guarantee chemistry). Have fun!!

The app integrates succinct explanations to the various reactions in visual context. I find the most helpful part of the app is the pop-up questions that ask which reactions would be quicker in comparison to a reaction you’ve just done because it applies the knowledge you’re learning and builds upon that. The review section is amazing in explaining the why’s (and why not’s). For someone who has had a lot of trouble getting organic chemistry, this app makes SN2 reactions very digestible.

This a great app that drives home a lot of core concepts found in for any chemistry class! Organic chemistry can be quite abstract on pen and paper, but this app puts those concepts right at your fingertips! As a grad student teaching assistant, I can definitely see this being incredibly useful for students. Did I mention it’s also a ton of fun?