Carbon and Its Compounds Quiz

Study Notes

Carbon and Its Compounds

Carbon, atomic number 6, electronic configuration (2, 4), forms covalent bonds. Its versatility results in numerous compounds.

Covalent Bonding

Carbon forms single, double, and triple bonds. Examples include methane ((CH_4)), ethene ((C_2H_4)), and ethyne ((C_2H_2)).

Allotropes of Carbon

Diamond: Extremely hard, non-conductor. Used in cutting tools.
Graphite: Conducts electricity, slippery. Used in pencils and lubricants.
Fullerenes: Spherical carbon molecules like (C_{60}).

Hydrocarbons

Compounds of carbon and hydrogen. Types include:
- Alkanes: Single bonds, general formula (C_nH_{2n+2}).
- Alkenes: One double bond, general formula (C_nH_{2n}).
- Alkynes: One triple bond, general formula (C_nH_{2n-2}).

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms defining organic compound properties:
- Alcohol: (-OH)
- Aldehyde: (-CHO)
- Ketone: ( >C=O )
- Carboxylic Acid: (-COOH)

Homologous Series

Series of compounds with the same functional group, similar properties, and consecutive members differing by a (CH_2) group.

Chemical Properties

Combustion: Carbon compounds burn releasing (CO_2), water, heat, and light. Example: (CH_4 + 2O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O + \text{energy}).
Oxidation: Alcohols can be oxidized to acids (e.g., using (KMnO_4) or (K_2Cr_2O_7))
Addition Reactions: Unsaturated hydrocarbons can add hydrogen in the presence of catalysts (e.g., (C_2H_4 + H_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Ni}} C_2H_6)).
Substitution Reactions: In saturated hydrocarbons, an atom is replaced by another (e.g., (CH_4 + Cl_2 \xrightarrow{\text{sunlight}} CH_3Cl + HCl)).

Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid

Ethanol ((C_2H_5OH)): Liquid, soluble in water, neutral to litmus. Used as a solvent, fuel, and in alcoholic beverages. Reacts with sodium to produce sodium ethoxide and hydrogen ((2C_2H_5OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2C_2H_5ONa + H_2)).
Ethanoic Acid ((CH_3COOH)): Sour taste, forms vinegar (5-8%). Reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide ((CH_3COOH + NaHCO_3 \rightarrow CH_3COONa + H_2O + CO_2)). Also undergoes esterification with ethanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid.

Soaps and Detergents

Soaps: Sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids, forming micelles to trap dirt and oil.
Detergents: Synthetic cleaning agents effective even in hard water.

Environmental Impact

Burning carbon compounds releases greenhouse gases (e.g., (CO_2)), contributing to global warming. Proper disposal of synthetic carbon compounds is crucial to minimize pollution.

Description

Test your knowledge on carbon and its various compounds, including their bonding types and allotropes. This quiz covers hydrocarbons and functional groups that define organic chemistry. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these essential concepts.