Organic Chemistry Fundamentals

This is Ms. Giovannone's first lesson for Structure 3.2

Organic Chemistry

• field of chemistry where carbon-based compounds are studied

• since carbons have 4 valence electrons, they can form 4 covalent bonds allowing for catenation

• makes it a big field of study

Homologous Series

• a family of compounds with similar structures and reactivities due to sharing the same functional groups

• they have the same general formula except for one -CH₂ group

• Members of a homologous series have a graduation in physical properties

• Members have similar chemical properties

Example of Homologous Series

Functional Groups

• an atom, or group of atoms, that give compounds their unique physical or chemical properties

  • site of reactivity

• all organic compounds are divided into classes dependent on the functional group present

Ways to Describe an Organic Molecule

1. Chemical Formula

2. Nomenclature

How Nomenclature is determined

Types of Formulas

Empirical Formula

1. simplest ratio of atoms in a molecule eg. C2H6 —> CH3

Molecular Formula

1. Molecular formula - actual number of atoms in a molecule

Problem:

no structure can be deduced from this information

What are Structural Formulas and what are their names?

1. Full/Graphic/Displayed

2. Condensed

3. Skeletal/Line

4. Stereochemical

What are Full/Graphic/Displayed Structural Formulas?

2D representations of compounds with all carbons, bonds, and positions relative to one another

What are Condensed Structural Formulas?

• all atoms and their relative positions present with some or all bonds not displayed (if bonds can be assumed)

• some atoms may be grouped together (e.g. CH₃)

What are Condensed Structural Formulas?

• simplest form

• each vertex or end of line is a C

What are Stereochemical Structural Formulas?

Shows relative positions of atoms or groups in 3D

How can Covalent Bonds be represented?