Let's start with Module 1: Introduction to Organic Chemistry.
Module 1: Introduction to Organic Chemistry
1. What is Organic Chemistry?
Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies carbon-containing compounds,
including their structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis. Since carbon forms
the backbone of life, organic chemistry is essential in fields like medicine, biology, and materials
science.
2. Why is Carbon Special?
Carbon is unique because:
It can form four covalent bonds (due to its four valence electrons).
It can form single, double, and triple bonds.
It can create long chains and rings, leading to millions of different compounds.
3. Types of Organic Compounds
Organic compounds are broadly classified into:
Alkanes (single bonds, e.g., methane)
Alkenes (double bonds, e.g., ethene)
Alkynes (triple bonds, e.g., ethyne)
Aromatic compounds (ring structures, e.g., benzene)
Functional groups (alcohols, ketones, carboxylic acids, etc.)
4. Functional Groups: The Key to Reactivity
A functional group is an atom or group of atoms that determine the chemical behavior of a
molecule. Some common ones:
Hydroxyl (-OH) → Alcohols
Carboxyl (-COOH) → Carboxylic acids
Amino (-NH₂ ) → Amines
Carbonyl (-C=O) → Aldehydes and ketones
5. Structural Representation of Organic Molecules
Organic compounds can be represented in different ways:
Molecular Formula (e.g., C₂ H₆ )
Structural Formula (shows bonds between atoms)
Condensed Formula (e.g., CH₃ CH₃ )
Skeletal Formula (only carbon skeletons are drawn)
--Next Steps
In the next module, we’ll dive deeper into Bonding and Structure in Organic Chemistry, where
we’ll discuss hybridization, resonance, and molecular geometry.
Would you like to proceed, or do you have any questions?