Topic 1.2 - Elements of Life

Organic Chemistry: The study of compounds with covalently bonded carbon

Organic compounds: Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen

• Carbon has four valence electrons, which allows it to form diverse molecules because it still has 4 electrons remaining in its outer shell.

Single, double, or triple covalent bonds can be formed with carbon

• A single carbon can form up to four bonds

• Allows for long chains to be formed by linking carbon molecules together

Most commonly formed with hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen

• Type and number of bonds carbon forms affects the length of the carbon chain and the shape of the molecule.

Hydrocarbons: Organic molecules consisting only of carbon and hydrogen

• Framework/skeletons for more complex molecules

They vary in length, branching, double bond positions, and presence of rings.

Functional groups: Chemical groups attached to the skeleton that participate in chemical reactions.