Introduction to Organic Compounds

Introduction to Organic Compounds

• Organic chemistry studies carbon-containing compounds.
• Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds creates many structures.
• These structures lead to diverse properties vital for life.
• Classification is based on functional groups.

Functional Groups

• Functional groups are specific groups of atoms affecting chemical reactions.
• They determine organic compounds' chemical properties.
• Examples include alcohols (—OH), aldehydes (—CHO), ketones (—C(=O)—), carboxylic acids (—COOH), amines (—NH2), and nitriles (—CN).

Hydrocarbons

• Hydrocarbons consist solely of carbon and hydrogen.
• Types: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
• Alkanes: Saturated, single bonds, general formula CnH2n+2. Examples: Methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6).
• Alkenes: Unsaturated, at least one carbon-carbon double bond, general formula CnH2n. Examples: Ethene (C2H4), Propene (C3H6).
• Alkynes: Unsaturated, at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, general formula CnH2n-2. Examples: Ethyne (C2H2), Propyne (C3H4).

Aromatic Compounds

• Aromatic compounds have benzene rings or similar structures.
• Benzene (C6H6) is a basic aromatic compound.
• Their resonance structures give them unique properties.

Halogenated Hydrocarbons

• Halogenated hydrocarbons have one or more halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br, or I) bonded to carbon.
• Examples: Chloromethane (CH3Cl), Dichloromethane (CH2Cl2).
• Used as solvents and refrigerants.

Alcohols

• Alcohols contain a hydroxyl functional group (−OH) bonded to a carbon atom.
• Classified by the number of carbon atoms bonded to the hydroxyl-bearing carbon.
• Examples: Methanol (CH3OH), Ethanol (C2H5OH), Propanol (C3H7OH).
• Can exhibit hydrogen bonding.

Ethers

• Ethers have an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms.
• Examples: Dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3), Diethyl ether (C2H5OC2H5).
• Relatively unreactive.

Aldehydes and Ketones

• Aldehydes have a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of a carbon chain.
• Ketones have a carbonyl group (C=O) within a carbon chain.
• Aldehyde examples: Formaldehyde (HCHO), Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO).
• Ketone examples: Acetone (CH3COCH3), Propanone (C3H6O).

Carboxylic Acids

• Carboxylic acids contain the carboxyl functional group (−COOH).
• Examples: Formic acid (HCOOH), Acetic acid (CH3COOH).
• Often responsible for the sour taste of foods.

Amines

• Amines have nitrogen atoms bonded to alkyl or aryl groups.
• Examples: Methylamine (CH3NH2), Ethylamine (C2H5NH2).
• Often have an ammonia-like odor.

Amides

• Amides have a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a nitrogen atom.
• Examples: Acetamide (CH3CONH2), Propanamide (C2H5CONH2).
• Found in many natural substances.

Nitriles

• Nitriles contain a cyano functional group (−C≡N).
• Examples: Acetonitrile (CH3CN), Propionitrile (C2H5CN).
• Important intermediates in organic synthesis.

Esters

• Esters have a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to an oxygen atom bonded to another carbon.
• Examples: Ethyl acetate (CH3COOCH2CH3), Methyl propanoate (CH3CH2COOCH3).
• Often have pleasant fruity smells.

Summary of Classification

• This classification helps understand and predict organic compounds' chemical and physical properties based on structure.