Organic Compounds Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What element must be present for a compound to be considered organic?

carbon

What other element is almost always present in an organic molecule?

hydrogen

List three carbon-containing compounds that are considered inorganic.

carbonates, carbides, and oxides

List three inorganic compounds that do not contain carbon.

calcium nitrite, sodium phosphite, cesium sulfite Signup and view all the answers

What two elements are present in a hydrocarbon?

carbon and hydrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is organic chemistry the study of?

the study of compounds that contain carbon Signup and view all the answers

What element do all organic compounds contain?

carbon Signup and view all the answers

What other element do most organic compounds contain?

hydrogen Signup and view all the answers

Explain why carbon forms so many compounds.

because carbon forms four bonds / 4 valence electrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of hydrocarbon?

an organic compound that contains only the elements carbon and hydrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical name of the simplest hydrocarbon?

methane Signup and view all the answers

What is its common name?

CH4 Signup and view all the answers

What is it used for?

natural gas heaters Signup and view all the answers

What three elements are present in alcohol?

carbon, hydrogen, oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of solvent?

a liquid that can dissolve other substances Signup and view all the answers

What is one use for methanol?

solvent Signup and view all the answers

What is one use for ethanol?

fuel Signup and view all the answers

What is one use for isopropyl alcohol?

sterilizer/cleaner Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in molecular formula between methane and methanol?

methanol contains oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in molecular formula between ethane and ethanol?

ethanol contains oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in molecular formula between propane and isopropyl alcohol?

isopropyl alcohol contains oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Organic Compounds Overview

Organic compounds must contain carbon to be classified as such.
Hydrogen is almost always found in conjunction with carbon in organic molecules.
Compounds like carbonates, carbides, and oxides contain carbon but are classified as inorganic.

Inorganic Compounds

Some inorganic compounds do not contain carbon, including calcium nitrite, sodium phosphite, and cesium sulfite.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons consist exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
The definition of hydrocarbons includes their nature as organic compounds comprised solely of carbon and hydrogen.

Carbon's Versatility

Carbon's ability to form four bonds due to having four valence electrons contributes to the vast diversity of compounds it can create.

Examples of Organic Compounds

Common organic compounds include various forms such as CH3CH2OH (ethanol), K2HC6H5O7 (potassium hydrogen citrate), and CH4 (methane).
Some compounds that are often considered organic despite their inorganic characteristics are CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) and CO2 (carbon dioxide).

Properties of Hydrocarbons and Alcohols

Methane, the simplest hydrocarbon, has the formula CH4 and is commonly used as a fuel in natural gas heaters.
Alcohols like ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving various functional purposes such as fuel and sterilizers, respectively.

Solvents

A solvent is defined as a liquid capable of dissolving other substances.
Methanol serves as a common solvent in various applications.

Molecular Differences

Methanol (CH3OH) differs from methane (CH4) by the presence of oxygen.
Ethanol (C2H5OH) is distinguished from ethane (C2H6) by its oxygen atom.
Isopropyl alcohol (C3H8O) differs from propane (C3H8) by having an oxygen atom in its structure.

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Description

Test your knowledge on organic compounds with these flashcards. Learn key concepts such as the requirements for a compound to be considered organic and the common elements found in organic molecules. Perfect for students studying chemistry or related fields.