Organic Chemistry Basics

Organic Chemistry

Definition and Scope

• Study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties
• Includes compounds found in living organisms, as well as synthetic compounds
• Focuses on the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds

Characteristics of Organic Compounds

• Typically contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, and may also contain oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements
• Have a complex structure, with a backbone of carbon atoms
• Can be found in nature or synthesized in a laboratory
• Often have a high molecular weight and are soluble in organic solvents

Functional Groups

• Specific groups of atoms within an organic molecule that determine its chemical properties
• Examples:
  • Hydroxyl (-OH)
  • Carboxyl (-COOH)
  • Amino (-NH2)
  • Aldehyde (-CHO)
  • Ketone (-CO-)
  • Ester (-COOR)
• Functional groups are responsible for the chemical reactions of an organic compound

Classes of Organic Compounds

• Hydrocarbons: contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms
  • Saturated: single bonds between carbon atoms (e.g., methane, CH4)
  • Unsaturated: double or triple bonds between carbon atoms (e.g., ethene, C2H4)
• Alcohols: contain a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group (e.g., ethanol, C2H5OH)
• Ethers: contain an ether (-O-) functional group (e.g., diethyl ether, C2H5OC2H5)
• Aldehydes: contain an aldehyde (-CHO) functional group (e.g., formaldehyde, HCHO)
• Ketones: contain a ketone (-CO-) functional group (e.g., acetone, C3H6O)
• Carboxylic acids: contain a carboxyl (-COOH) functional group (e.g., acetic acid, CH3COOH)
• Esters: contain an ester (-COOR) functional group (e.g., ethyl acetate, CH3COOC2H5)

Reaction Mechanisms

• Substitution reactions: replacement of one functional group with another
• Elimination reactions: removal of a functional group to form a new compound
• Addition reactions: combination of two molecules to form a new compound
• Oxidation and reduction reactions: gain or loss of electrons

Importance of Organic Chemistry

• Plays a crucial role in the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials
• Underlies the understanding of biological systems and processes
• Has applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and energy