Organic Chemistry Overview

Study Notes

Organic Chemistry Overview

Organic chemistry is a branch of chemical science that focuses on compounds containing carbon atoms. It's named 'organic' because many of these compounds were originally found in living organisms. These days, we know they can exist outside biological systems too.

History of Organic Chemistry

The history of organic chemistry dates back thousands of years when people used natural materials like plants, animals, and minerals to create various products and medicines. However, it wasn't until the late 18th century that scientists started to study these compounds systematically. German chemist Friedrich Wöhler was one of the first to synthesize urea from inorganic sources, proving that life did not always require organic starting materials.

Key Concepts

One important concept in organic chemistry is the double bond (C=O) between carbon and oxygen. In living organisms, this bond helps to store energy through processes like photosynthesis. Another key idea is the chiral center, which occurs when four different groups are attached to a single carbon atom. This leads to molecules having two mirror image forms called enantiomers, giving rise to optical activity.

Importance and Application

Understanding organic chemistry has led to significant advancements across industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biotechnology, petrochemical production, environmental protection, and even food processing. For example, penicillin—one of the earliest antibiotics—is made up of organic compounds derived from the mold Penicillium fungi. Today, over 70% of all pharmaceutical agents come from natural product sources, reflecting the importance of studying organic compounds.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts and historical background of organic chemistry, focusing on compounds containing carbon. Learn about key concepts like double bonds and chiral centers, and discover the importance and applications of organic chemistry in various industries.