Organic Chemistry: Carbon, Isomers, and Functional Groups

What is organic chemistry?

The study of compounds containing carbon.

What is the range of complexity for organic compounds?

They vary from simple to colossal molecules.

How many bonds does carbon typically form?

Carbon typically forms four bonds.

What shape do molecules with multiple carbons bonded to four other atoms have?

A tetrahedral shape.

What happens to the arrangement of atoms when two carbon atoms form a double bond?

The atoms attached to them lie in the same plane as the carbons.

What is the valence of an atom?

The number of covalent bonds it can form, generally equal to the number of unpaired electrons in its valence shell.

What forms the skeletons of most organic molecules?

Carbon chains.

What are hydrocarbons?

Organic molecules composed solely of carbon and hydrogen.

How do hydrocarbons behave in chemical reactions?

They can release significant energy.

What are isomers?

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures and properties.

What are structural isomers?

Isomers that have different covalent arrangements of their atoms.

What are stereoisomers?

Isomers that differ in their spatial arrangements.

What are cis-trans isomers?

Stereoisomers with the same covalent bonds but different spatial arrangements around a double bond.

What are enantiomers?

Isomers that are mirror images of each other, crucial in the pharmaceutical industry.

What determines the distinctive properties of organic molecules?

Their carbon skeleton and the chemical groups attached to it.

What are functional groups?

Components of organic molecules most commonly involved in chemical reactions.

Name three important functional groups in organic chemistry.

Hydroxyl group (—OH), Carboxyl group (—COOH), Amino group (—NH₂).

How do double bonds affect molecular flexibility?

Double bonds restrict rotation, leading to cis/trans isomers.

What is the difference between cis fats and trans fats?

Trans fats are linear, while cis fats are bent, affecting melting points and fluidity.

What is the role of hydroxyl groups in organic molecules?

They increase hydrophilicity and can act as acids in water.

What distinguishes aldehydes from ketones?

Aldehydes are at the ends of molecules, while ketones are internal.

What is the significance of methyl groups in biology?

They regulate DNA activity via methylation, affecting gene expression.

What is the importance of the 3D arrangement of molecules?

It affects their function, such as glucose being more stable in ring form in water.

What are amphipathic molecules?

Molecules that contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, critical in cell membranes.

How do polar groups affect the properties of molecules?

They increase hydrophilicity, enabling interactions with water.

What is the biological relevance of cholesterol's structure?

Its characteristic ring structure and functional groups determine its activity.

How do glucose and fructose differ in structure?

Glucose forms a six-membered ring, while fructose forms a five-membered ring.