These notes were compiled using the IEB SAGS document as a guideline. These notes extensivley go through all that there is to know about orgainic chemistry. Can still be used by DGE students.
Organic
Chemistry
Definitions:
Functional group: an atom or a group of atoms that form the
centre of chemical activity in the molecule
Hydrocarbon: a compound containing only carbon and
hydrogen atoms
Homologous series: a series of similar compounds, which
have the same functional group and have the same general
formula,
in which each member differs from the previous one by a single
CH2 unit
Saturated compound: a compound in which all of the bonds
between carbon atoms are single bonds
Unsaturated compound: a compound in which there is at
least one double and/ triple bond between carbon atoms
Structural isomer: Compounds that have the same molecular
formula but different structural formulae
Organic molecules contain carbon atoms, with the
exception of CO2, CO, diamond graphite, carbonates (or
bicarbonates), carbides and cyanides. These compounds
can be in the gaseous, liquid, or solid phase. All living
matter contains organic compounds.
1
, How is Carbon Unique?
Carbon’s atoms have a valency of four in a tetrahedral arrangement. This
means that there are four possible bonds to be made. It forms strong
carbon to carbon bonds and permits long chains to form. This is called
catenation.
Carbon atoms can either form single (saturated) or double
(unsaturated) bonds:
Saturated compound: A compound in which all of the bonds between
carbon atoms are single bonds.
Unsaturated compound: A compound in which there is at least one
double and/or triple bond between carbon atoms.
How do we know if a substance is saturated/unsaturated?
We do the saturation test with Br2(aq)
Take an unknown solution and add Br2
If the solution remains clear or it discolours quickly- it is an
unsaturated solution
If the solution changes colour or it discolours slowly- it is a
saturated solution
(The reasoning for this will become clear once you have done organic
reactions)
How will we represent organic compounds?
There are three ways in which to represent organic molecules
1. Structural formula
2. Condensed formula
3. Molecular formula
2
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