Organic Chemistry

The chemistry of CARBON compounds
PROPERTIES
-Low melting points
-weak or non-electrolytes
-can form chains of carbon atoms that are linked in a:

• straight line
• circular pattern
• branched pattern

-can link with other atoms in:

• single bonds
• double bonds
• triple bonds
• versatility of organic compounds makes it such an important branch of chemistry

Alkanes

-straight/unbranched chain

hydrocarbon: a compound that contains only hydrogen and carbon. 

-non-polar molecules ==> immiscible with water

-Geometry: Tetrahedron

-saturated hydrocarbons bonded by single bonds

• Saturated: not possible for another atom to bond to the structure

-naming: "-ane" endings because they are Alkanes

homologous series: a series of organic compounds with a similar general formula, possessing similar chemical properties

meth = 1

Eth = 2

Prop = 3

But = 4

Branched Hydrocarbons

-"side branches" = hydro chains

• called substituted hydrocarbons or branched hydrocarbons

ending: "-yl"

-Alkyl group: an alkane which LOST one hydrogen atom

Ex 2-methylpentane

Rules for naming:

1) find and name the longest continuous carbon chain and place at the end of the name

2) Identify and name groups attached to this chain

3) number the chain consecutively, starting at the end nearest a side group

4) designate the location of each side group by an appropriate #

5) Assemble the name in alphabetical order