Concept 4.2: Carbon atoms can form diverse molecules by bonding to four other atoms

Flashcards from Concept 4.2 of Pearson's Campbell Biology, Twelfth Edition.

Electron configuration

How an atom’s electrons are arranged; the key to atomic bond types and numbers as part of their characteristics

Carbon

An atom with four valence electrons that can form four covalent bonds

• Molecules with multiple of these have a tetrahedral shape when joined to four other atoms

• Two of these together in a double bond allow other atoms to stay in the same plane

Valence

The number of unpaired electrons in the valence shell of an atom, determining the number of covalent bonds it can form

Carbon bonding partners

Most frequent are:

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

Carbon molecule examples

• Carbon dioxide: CO₂

• Urea: CO(NH₂)₂

• Estradiol and Testosterone

Carbon chains

The skeletons of most organic molecules that vary in length, shape, double bond position, branches, and ring presence

Hydrocarbons

Organic molecules consisting of only carbon and hydrogen

• Many organic molecules, such as fats, have these as they can release a large amount of energy in some reactions

Isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula (ratio) but different structures (arrangements) and properties, includes:

• Structural: Different covalent bonds and arrangements

• Cis-trans: Differing spatial arrangements, same covalent bonds

• Enantiomers: Mirror images

Structural isomers

Isomers with different covalent bonds and arrangements

Cis-trans isomers

Isomers with the same covalent bonds but differing spatial arragnements

Enantiomers

Isomers that are mirror images of each other

• Important in the pharmaceutical industry, as each pair may have different effects or not be effective at all, demonstrating molecular sensitivity

• Ibuprofen’s and albuterol’s versions are ineffective