Chapter 4 CARBON & THE
MOLECULAR DIVERSITY
OF LIFE
Organic chemistry - study of carbon compounds.
Carbon combines covalently to other elements with:
a) 4 single bonds
b) 2 double bonds
c) 1 double and 2 single or
d) 1 single & 1 triple bond.
Objectives:
 Organic Chemistry is the study of carbon
compounds
 Variation in carbon skeletons leads to
diversity of organic molecules
 Functional groups contribute to the diversity
of life
Root Words











Con –
Di –
Glyco –
Hydro –
- lyse
Macro –
Meros –
Mono –
- sacchar
Poly –
Tri –
Functional Groups:
•Not C-H Bonds.
•Region in molecule where reactions
take place.
•All are “Hydrophilic”. (JUST THE
GROUP, not necessarily the entire
molecule).
•Increases the solubility of the
compound.
•Determine the properties of a carbon
molecule.
Table 4-1 Functional
Groups of Organic
Compounds
NOTE: Carboxyl group is a
source of H ions (Protons)
so it is an acid, since acids
are a source of electrons in
solution
Amino group picks up H ions
(protons) in solution so this
makes it a base.
So what is an organic
acid?
Functional Group Activity
Directions:
Using page 58 in your text, create flash
cards for the functional groups.
Functional Group will go on the front, and
structure, name and example on the back.
You may want to color code them.
VALENCES OF MAJOR ELEMENTS IN
ORGANIC MOLECULES: (Fig. 4.3)
NOTE: Carbon is the most abundant
element by dry weight in all living things.
The Shapes of 3 Simple Organic
Compounds: (Fig. 4.2)
•Hydrocarbons: C & H Compounds.
•(Fig. 4.4)
Hydrocarbons-Nonpolar; Hydrophobic
thus not soluble in water.
Polar molecules: Example - polar
compound
HCl
H+ & Cl-.
Remember Isomeres are
compounds that
have the same
written formula but
have different
structural formulas.
(Fig.4.6)
Fig. 4.7