Organic Chemistry Fundamentals

Organic Chemistry

Definition

• Study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties
• Involves the study of structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds

Characteristics of Organic Compounds

• Typically contain carbon and hydrogen atoms
• May also contain oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and halogens
• Often have complex structures and diverse properties

Functional Groups

• Specific groups of atoms within a molecule that determine its chemical properties
• Examples:
  • Hydroxyl (-OH)
  • Carboxyl (-COOH)
  • Amino (-NH2)
  • Methyl (-CH3)

Types of Organic Compounds

• Alkanes: saturated hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, CH4)
• Alkenes: unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g., ethene, C2H4)
• Alkynes: unsaturated hydrocarbons with triple bonds (e.g., ethyne, C2H2)
• Arenes: aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, C6H6)
• Carbohydrates: sugars, starches, and cellulose
• Lipids: fats, oils, and waxes
• Amino Acids: building blocks of proteins
• Polymers: large molecules composed of repeating units

Reactions in Organic Chemistry

• Substitution reactions: replacement of one atom or group with another
• Elimination reactions: removal of a leaving group to form a double bond
• Addition reactions: addition of a molecule to a multiple bond
• Oxidation-reduction reactions: gain or loss of electrons

Important Concepts

• Stereochemistry: study of the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules
• Isomerism: existence of multiple compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures
• Resonance: delocalization of electrons within a molecule

Organic Chemistry

• Definition: study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties, involving structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds

Characteristics of Organic Compounds

• Typically contain carbon and hydrogen atoms
• May also contain oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and halogens
• Often have complex structures and diverse properties

Functional Groups

• Specific groups of atoms within a molecule that determine its chemical properties
• Examples:
  • Hydroxyl (-OH)
  • Carboxyl (-COOH)
  • Amino (-NH2)
  • Methyl (-CH3)

Types of Organic Compounds

• Alkanes: saturated hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, CH4)
• Alkenes: unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g., ethene, C2H4)
• Alkynes: unsaturated hydrocarbons with triple bonds (e.g., ethyne, C2H2)
• Arenes: aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, C6H6)
• Carbohydrates: sugars, starches, and cellulose
• Lipids: fats, oils, and waxes
• Amino Acids: building blocks of proteins
• Polymers: large molecules composed of repeating units

Reactions in Organic Chemistry

• Substitution reactions: replacement of one atom or group with another
• Elimination reactions: removal of a leaving group to form a double bond
• Addition reactions: addition of a molecule to a multiple bond
• Oxidation-reduction reactions: gain or loss of electrons

Important Concepts

• Stereochemistry: study of the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules
• Isomerism: existence of multiple compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures
• Resonance: delocalization of electrons within a molecule

Learn about the basics of organic chemistry, including the characteristics of organic compounds and functional groups.