Introduction to Organic chemistry
Definitions:
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Organic chemistry: is the study of compounds containing the C-H group
Organic compounds: contain a C-H group
Homologous series: is a group of organic compounds
Functional group: group of atoms which are responsible for all chemical reactions
involved with the members of all homologous series
Quick Notes:
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Living organisms are made of primarily carbon
- E.g: Amino acids
- Carbon has 4 available bonding electrons meaning it can form a multitude of
configurations to make different carbon compounds it is very versatile
- It can form bonds with other atoms such as Hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
- Can form bonds with other carbon atoms forming carbon chains
C-H group
- All living beings contain a C-H bond
- Helps us separate compounds that are organic and inorganic
Organic compounds
- 3 different types of formulae to describe organic compounds
- Molecular formula:
- Displays number of atoms of each element in the compound
- 𝐶2 𝐻6= 2 carbons + 6 hydrogen (ETHANE)
- Structural formula
- Displays number of atoms of each element in the compound,
based on carbon atoms
- 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝐻3 = 1 carbon to 3 hydrogen atoms (ETHANE)
- Displayed formula
- A type of structural formula which shows all the covalent bonds
- Homologous series
- Members in the same homologous series share the same characteristics:
- Same functional group= same chemical properties
- Shows gradual change in physical properties= will have similar
physical properties only differ by the amount of carbon atoms
within a chain
- Same general formula
- Functional groups: responsible for chemical reactions
- Alkanes= C-H bond
- Alkenes= C=C bond
- Alcohols= O-H bond
- Carboxylic acids= O=C-O-H bonds
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General formula
- n= describes the molecular formula for all members of the
homologous series
- Formula applicable to any member of a homologous series
depending on variable ‘n’