Organic Chemistry and Molecular Structure

Vocabulary flashcards covering carbon chemistry, organic molecules, functional groups, hydrocarbons, and polymerization based on the lecture transcript.

Carbon

The most important element in organic chemistry, containing 6 protons and 6 neutrons, with 4 electrons in its outermost shell (which holds a maximum of 8) that allow it to form 4 covalent bonds.

Organic Molecules

Molecules that contain carbon covalently bonded to hydrogen and sometimes additional elements, such as $C_2H_5O_2N$.

Carbon Skeleton

The carbon backbone of an organic molecule that can vary in length, double bond location, bond types (single, double, or triple), and shape (straight/unbranched, branched, or ring).

Hydrocarbons

The simplest organic compounds, consisting exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Methane

An example of a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula $CH_4$.

Octane

A hydrocarbon with the chemical formula $C_8H_{18}$ found in gasoline.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group ($-OH$) found in alcohols and sugars.

Carbonyl Group

A functional group found in sugars consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom.

Amino Group

A functional group ($-NH_2$) found in amino acids and urea in urine.

Carboxyl Group

A functional group ($-COOH$) found in amino acids, fatty acids, and some vitamins.

Monomer

A single molecular unit or part that serves as a building block for larger structures.

Polymer

A large molecule or whole structure made up of many linked monomer units.

Polymerization

The process of joining monomers together to form a polymer.