To predict the products of an organic reaction, one must identify the functional groups present in the substrate and the nature of the reagent (electrophile, nucleophile, oxidant, or reductant).

Common reaction types covered in the curriculum include:

1. Nucleophilic Substitution ($S_N1$/$S_N2$): Conversion of alkyl halides to alcohols, ethers, or amines [1, 2].
2. Elimination: Dehydrohalogenation to form alkenes (e.g., using alcoholic KOH) [3].
3. Electrophilic Substitution: Halogenation, nitration, or Friedel-Crafts reactions of haloarenes [4].
4. Addition: Reaction of alkenes with halogens or hydrogen halides [5].

The correct product depends on factors like steric hindrance, stability of intermediates (carbocations), and the specific reaction conditions (temperature, solvent).