/sci/ - Science & Math

>>14887851
>>14888220
As >>14888298 pointed out, material science might also be an area worth looking into.

To know what the stuff around you is requires only a very basic level of chemistry knowledge - but it depends on how deep you want to dive into the subject. In either case, university level chemistry would probably be only useful for the first or so year (which should be high school level chem) for you. After that it rapidly diverges from everyday applicability. Unless you are genuinly interesting in the nitty gritty technical details.

Organic chemistry is mostly difficult and challenging because of two reasons. It is usually taught not all that well, so people aren't interested in it and put less work into it. Secondly, there are exceptions lurking everywhere and remembering a lot of rules and exceptions is just hard on its own.

You can tackle both issues. The first one by finding good courses, lecturers, books, websites, etc. Something that works for you. And by being genuinely interested in chemistry. Reading random articles on wikipedia for example in your free time. Watching chem YouTube videos. At least I learn the best when it doesn't feel like learning at all.
You will create a web of knowledge, and so reading about new things you are able to relate it to things you already know. This way remembering stuff is easier.
And practice, of course.

Look around for an introductory chemistry text book. Look for videos on YouTube. Read wiki when you're bored. And don't be discouraged too easily - it can and does get confusing at times.