Organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon as a fundamental element, typically covalently bonded with other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
What are some examples of organic compounds?
Examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, hormones, petroleum, and natural gas.
What are inorganic compounds?
Inorganic compounds are compounds that are generally derived from non-living sources and lack carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Do all inorganic compounds lack carbon?
No, some inorganic compounds contain carbon, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbonates, and cyanides.
What are hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up only of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
What are the two main categories of hydrocarbons?
The two main categories are saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) and unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes and alkynes).
What type of bonds are present in alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes?
Alkanes have only single bonds, alkenes have at least one double bond (C=C), and alkynes have at least one triple bond (C≡C).
What is the general formula of alkanes?
The general formula of alkanes is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.
What is the general formula of alkenes?
The general formula of alkenes is CₙH₂ₙ.
What is the general formula of alkynes?
The general formula of alkynes is CₙH₂ₙ₋₂.
What are the main sources of hydrocarbons?
The main sources of hydrocarbons are crude oil, natural gas, and coal.
What are non-hydrocarbons?
Non-hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, and other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens.
What are some examples of non-hydrocarbon organic compounds?
Examples include alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
What is a homologous series?
A homologous series is a group of organic compounds with similar chemical properties and the same general formula, differing by a -CH₂- unit.
What happens to the boiling point as the number of carbon atoms increases in a homologous series?
The boiling point increases as the number of carbon atoms increases.
What are isomers?
Isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.
What are the types of structural isomerism?
The types of structural isomerism are chain isomerism, positional isomerism, and functional isomerism.
What are the main reactions of hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons undergo combustion, substitution (alkanes), and addition reactions (alkenes).
How are esters formed?
Esters are formed by reacting a carboxylic acid with an alcohol.
What are some common uses of alcohols in daily life?
Alcohols are used in disinfectants, fuels, alcoholic beverages, and as solvents in cosmetics and medicines.
Explanation Questions
Why are hydrocarbons important in daily life?
Hydrocarbons are used as fuels for vehicles, cooking, and industrial applications. They also serve as raw materials for making plastics, lubricants, and synthetic fibers.
Why do alkenes undergo addition reactions while alkanes undergo substitution reactions?
Alkenes have double bonds that can open up to form new single bonds, allowing addition reactions. Alkanes have only single bonds, so they undergo substitution reactions instead.
How does the presence of a functional group affect the chemical properties of an organic compound?
Functional groups determine the reactivity and chemical behavior of a compound, influencing its reactions and interactions with other substances.
What happens when alcohol undergoes dehydration?
When alcohol undergoes dehydration, it loses a water molecule and forms an alkene.
How does the structure of an isomer affect its physical properties?
Isomers have different structural arrangements, which can lead to differences in boiling points, melting points, and reactivity.
Why do alkanes burn with a clean flame while alkenes and alkynes produce a smoky flame?
Alkanes burn completely with enough oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. Alkenes and alkynes have a higher carbon content, leading to incomplete combustion and soot formation.
What is the significance of petroleum as a source of hydrocarbons?
Petroleum is a major source of hydrocarbons, providing fuels like gasoline and diesel as well as raw materials for plastics and chemicals.
How does hydrogenation change an alkene?
Hydrogenation adds hydrogen to an alkene, converting it into an alkane.
Why do carboxylic acids react with bases to form salts and water?
Carboxylic acids contain the -COOH functional group, which donates a proton (H⁺) to a base, forming a salt and water in a neutralization reaction.
How does the length of a hydrocarbon chain affect its boiling point?
Longer hydrocarbon chains have higher boiling points because they experience stronger intermolecular forces, requiring more energy to change from liquid to gas.