Chem - Structure and Physical Properties of Organic Compounds

What is organic matter?

In the 1880’s, it was believed that all organic matter could only come from “living things.”

Who debunked the theory that only living things produce organic matter?

Friedrich Wohler in 1828.

What did Friedrich Wohler discover?

He reacted two inorganic compounds (silver cyanite and ammonium chloride) and produced urea, showing inorganic matter can produce organic matter.

What are organic compounds?

Compounds where carbon atoms are bonded to each other, hydrogen, and a few specific elements (like oxygen and nitrogen).

Q: What are inorganic compounds?

A: Compounds that include carbonates, cyanides, or carbides but do not contain carbon atoms bonded like organic compounds.

Q: What are some exceptions that are not organic?

A: CO₃ (carbonates) and CN (cyanides).

Q: What is special about the carbon atom?

A: Carbon has 4 valence electrons, allowing it to bond easily with other elements.

Q: Why is carbon so versatile?

A: It can form single, double, and triple bonds, allowing many structures and properties.

Q: What are isomers?

A: Molecules that have the same molecular formula but different atom arrangements.

Q: Example of isomers (C₅H₁₂)?

A: Molecules with 5 carbons and 12 hydrogens arranged differently (same formula, different structure).

Q: What are cyclic isomers?

A: Isomers formed by making rings instead of straight chains.

Q: What are stereoisomers?

A: Molecules that have the same molecular formula and bonding sequence but differ in 3D orientation.

Q: Can stereoisomers be rotated to match?

A: No, they cannot be superimposed by rotation.

Q: What are the two types of stereoisomers?

A: Diastereomers and enantiomers.

Q: What are diastereomers?

A: Stereoisomers based on double bonds. Each carbon on the double bond must have a group attached to it.

Q: What is a cis isomer?

A: Groups are found on the same side of the double bond.

Q: What is a trans isomer?

A: Groups are found on opposite sides of the double bond.

Q: Can triple-bonded molecules form diastereomers?

A: No, but they can still make other isomers.

Q: Example of triple-bond isomer (C₅H₈)?

A: Molecules with 5 carbons and 8 hydrogens that differ in structure.

Q: What are enantiomers?

A: Molecules that are mirror images of each other around a single carbon bonded to four different atoms or groups.

Q: Can enantiomers be superimposed?

A: No, they cannot be superimposed on one another.

Q: What kind of carbon forms enantiomers?

A: A carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.

Q: Why is carbon essential in organic chemistry?

A: Its ability to form stable bonds and complex structures makes life possible.

Q: What makes a compound organic?

A: Carbon bonded to hydrogen and often to oxygen or nitrogen.