Chapter 4 Chemistry of Carbon

Chapter 4: Organic Chemistry

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

  • Organic chemistry is the study of compounds that contain carbon.

  • Key Question: What makes carbon the basis for all biological molecules?

    • Carbon can form four bonds, allowing for versatile structures.

    • Carbon can bond to itself and other elements including:

      • Hydrogen (H)

      • Oxygen (O)

      • Nitrogen (N)

Carbon's Role in Biological Molecules

  • Properties of carbon-containing molecules depend on:

    • The carbon skeleton (the arrangement of carbon atoms).

    • The chemical groups attached to the carbon skeleton.

  • Example: Dopamine, a molecule that promotes mother-infant bonding.

Carbon's Electron Configuration

  • Electron Configuration Importance:

    • Determines chemical characteristics of an atom.

  • Carbon's four valence electrons allow:

    • Forming four covalent bonds with various atoms.

    • Formation of large, complex molecules.

  • Structural Arrangements:

    • Tetrahedral shape when carbon is connected to four atoms.

    • Double bonds between carbons lead to atoms joined being in the same plane.

Diversity in Carbon Structures

  • Carbon can partner with atoms beyond just hydrogen:

    • Example: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) has a linear structure (O=C=O).

  • Urea:

    • A significant organic compound (CO(NH₂)₂) found in urine.

  • Carbon chains can vary:

    • Example: C₃H₈ (propane) illustrates how carbon forms chains.

Hydrocarbons and Energy

  • Hydrocarbons:

    • Organic molecules consisting only of carbon and hydrogen.

    • Common in organic molecules, such as fats, and can release significant energy upon reaction.

Isomers

  • Isomers: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures/properties.

    • Types of Isomers:

      • Structural Isomers: Different covalent arrangements.

      • Cis-trans Isomers (Geometric Isomers): Same bonds but different spatial arrangements.

      • Enantiomers: Mirror images of each other.

  • Importance of Enantiomers in pharmaceuticals:

    • Different effects; often only one enantiomer is biologically active.

Functional Groups

  • Distinctive Properties:

    • Organic molecules' properties rely on carbon skeleton and attached chemical groups.

    • Functional Groups:

      • Key components involved in chemical reactions.

    • Number and arrangement impact unique properties.

  • Example: Estradiol and testosterone differ in functional groups but share a common steroid structure of fused rings.

Important Functional Groups in Life

  • Seven Functional Groups:

    • Key to the chemistry of life; usually hydrophilic and chemically reactive.

ATP: Energy Currency

  • ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate):

    • Consists of an adenosine molecule linked to three phosphate groups.

    • Stores potential energy to react with water, releasing energy for cellular activities.