Class notes
Mastering Organic Chemistry
- Course
- Institution
A comprehensive study guide on mastering Organic Chemistry
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
radebeb412
Content preview
O14: Unique Properties of CarbonStructural and bonding properties
1) BOND STRENGTHS
Strong bonds form between like elements
H-H C-C
(436 kJ/mol) (348 kJ/mol)
Therefore it is favourable for C atoms to link up into chains
(catenation). Note: Homonuclear bonds are rare amongst other
elements.
Carbon has the unique ability to form long chains and rings.
Another strong bond is between the unlike elements
C-H (413 kJ/mol)
This bond is very common in organic compounds
, O14: Unique Properties of Carbon
2) NATURE OF BONDS
There are a variety of possible bonds involving carbon
e.g. C-C C=C C≡C C-X C=O C≡N
(X= halogen or OH)
The electron configuration of C:
1s2 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz0
Core valence electrons
Therefore there are 4 valence electrons and 4 valence
orbitals. This means carbon must always form 4 bonds.
No unused electrons
No unused orbitals
No “reactive spots”
,O14: Unique Properties of Carbon
The carbon atom is small,
and it is screened by the
other atoms attached to it
and therefore it is difficult
to attack at the carbon
centre (in order to react
with the carbon).
, O14: Unique Properties of Carbon
Reactivity
• For all these reasons
ALKANES ARE VERY UNREACTIVE
• At room temperature alkanes do not react with
acids, bases, or strong oxidizing agents
• Therefore alkanes make good non-polar solvents.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller radebeb412. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.87. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
82956 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now