Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Study Notes

Organic chemistry is the study of compounds that contain the element carbon.
Organic compounds are important because they affect virtually every aspect of our lives.
They make up things like food, clothes, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.

Organic compounds can be naturally occurring or prepared synthetically.
Studying organic chemistry helps us understand how these compounds affect the world around us.
Organic chemistry has led to the development of contraceptives, plastics, antibiotics, and synthetic materials used in medicine.

Methane is the simplest organic compound and a main component of natural gas.
Ethanol is formed by the fermentation of sugar and can be synthesized in the laboratory.
Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic in the penicillin family.
Azidodeoxythymidine (AZT) is a drug that treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Capsaicin is responsible for the characteristic spiciness of hot peppers.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic pesticide.

Both chemists and chemical engineers have mastered the fundamentals of physics and mathematics.
Chemists develop new products, improve existing ones, and conduct analysis and optimization in a laboratory.
Chemical engineers design, construct, operate, and control equipment for carrying out chemical processes on an industrial scale.

Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes.
Establish safety procedures for those working with dangerous chemicals.
Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases, or for generating electrical currents.
Design and plan the layout of equipment.
Conduct tests and monitor the performance of processes throughout production.
Troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes.
Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Estimate production costs for management.