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.