Introduction to Biochemistry: Carbon Chemistry and Hybridization

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on orbital hybridization and carbon chemistry, essential for understanding biochemistry.

What are the types of hybridization in carbon?

The types of hybridization in carbon are sp3, sp2, and sp.

What is the bond angle of sp3 hybridized carbon?

The bond angle of sp3 hybridized carbon is 109.5°.

Why is carbon considered unique in chemistry?

Carbon is unique because it can adopt sp, sp2, or sp3 hybridization, allowing for a wide variety of compounds.

What is the significance of orbital hybridization in biological processes?

Orbital hybridization is crucial for forming the structures of biological macromolecules, influencing their functions.

Explain the properties of carbon’s double bond (C=C).

Carbon’s double bond consists of one sigma (σ) bond and one pi (π) bond, created from sp2 hybridized orbitals.

What determines the shape of a molecule according to VSEPR theory?

Molecular shape is determined by the minimization of repulsion between electron pairs, optimizing for stability.

What is the smallest covalent compound of carbon?

The smallest covalent compound of carbon is CH4 (methane), which has four sp3 hybrid bonds.

Describe the bond angles associated with sp2 hybridization in carbon.

The bond angles in sp2 hybridized carbon are 120°.

What happens to the hybrid orbitals in sp hybridization?

In sp hybridization, hybrid orbitals orient at 180°, forming a linear shape.

What is the relationship between molecular geometry and biological function?

The three-dimensional shape of a molecule determines its biological function.