This topic will provide an overview of organic chemistry, including the definition of organic compounds, the difference between organic and inorganic compounds, and the importance of carbon in organic chemistry.
Introduction to Organic Chemistry – Study Notes
| Concept | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Carbon’s Bonding Ability | • Four valence electrons → forms four covalent bonds. • Enables chains, rings, branched structures, and multiple bonds (double, triple). |
| Hybridization | • sp³ – tetrahedral (σ‑bonds only). • sp² – trigonal planar (one σ + one π). • sp – linear (one σ + two π). |
| Isomerism | • Structural (constitutional) isomers – different connectivity. • Stereoisomers – same connectivity, different spatial arrangement. – Geometric (cis/trans, E/Z) – Optical (enantiomers, diastereomers) |
| Functional Groups | Specific atom/group patterns that dictate reactivity (e.g., –OH, –COOH, –NH₂, –C=O, –C≡C). |
| Nomenclature (IUPAC) | Systematic naming based on longest carbon chain, substituents, and functional groups. |
| Reaction Types | • Addition – to multiple bonds (e.g., hydrogenation). • Elimination – removal of small molecules (e.g., dehydration). • Substitution – replacement of a group (e.g., SN1, SN2). • Rearrangement – migration of atoms/groups within a molecule. |
| Mechanisms | Step‑by‑step electron flow (curved‑arrow notation) that explains how reactants convert to products. |
| Class | General Formula / Features | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Alkanes | Saturated C–C single bonds (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂) | Methane, propane |
| Alkenes | One or more C=C double bonds (CₙH₂ₙ) | Ethene, 1‑butene |
| Alkynes | One or more C≡C triple bonds (CₙH₂ₙ₋₂) | Acetylene, propyne |
| Aromatics | Conjugated cyclic π‑system (benzene ring) | Benzene, toluene |
| Alcohols | –OH attached to sp³ carbon | Ethanol, cyclohexanol |
| Ethers | R–O–R′ (oxygen between two carbons) | Diethyl ether |
| Aldehydes | –CHO (carbonyl at end of chain) | Formaldehyde |
| Ketones | C=O within chain | Acetone |
| Carboxylic Acids | –COOH | Acetic acid |
| Esters | –COOR | Ethyl acetate |
| Amines | –NH |