Organic Chemistry Basics

Organic Chemistry

• Branch of chemistry that deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties, reactions, and synthesis.
• Organic compounds can be found in all living things and are the basis of all life.
• Characteristics of organic compounds:
  • Contain carbon and hydrogen atoms
  • May contain other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus
  • Typically have a complex molecular structure
  • Can be found in nature or synthesized in a laboratory
• Subfields of organic chemistry:
  • Bioorganic chemistry: study of the chemical processes in living organisms
  • Organometallic chemistry: study of compounds containing carbon-metal bonds
  • Physical organic chemistry: study of the physical properties and reactions of organic compounds

Etard Reaction

• A type of organic reaction used to prepare aldehydes from methyl ketones.
• Reaction mechanism:
  1. The methyl ketone is treated with a mixture of chromic acid and sulfuric acid.
  2. The chromic acid oxidizes the methyl group to form an aldehyde.
  3. The resulting aldehyde is then separated from the reaction mixture.
• Important aspects of the Etard reaction:
  • The reaction is highly specific and only oxidizes the methyl group.
  • The reaction conditions are critical, and the temperature and acid concentration must be carefully controlled.
  • The Etard reaction is often used in the synthesis of complex organic molecules, such as fragrances and pharmaceuticals.

Organic Chemistry

• Deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties, reactions, and synthesis
• Found in all living things and are the basis of all life
• Characteristics: contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, may contain oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, complex molecular structure, can be found in nature or synthesized in a laboratory

Subfields of Organic Chemistry

• Bioorganic chemistry: study of chemical processes in living organisms
• Organometallic chemistry: study of compounds containing carbon-metal bonds
• Physical organic chemistry: study of physical properties and reactions of organic compounds

Etard Reaction

• Used to prepare aldehydes from methyl ketones
• Reaction mechanism:
  • Methyl ketone treated with chromic acid and sulfuric acid mixture
  • Chromic acid oxidizes methyl group to form an aldehyde
  • Resulting aldehyde is separated from the reaction mixture
• Important aspects:
  • Highly specific, only oxidizes the methyl group
  • Critical reaction conditions, temperature and acid concentration must be controlled
  • Often used in synthesis of complex organic molecules, such as fragrances and pharmaceuticals