Chemistry 201: Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

The branch of chemistry that studies the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds.

Hydrocarbon

An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms (e.g., methane, ethane, benzene).

Alkane

A saturated hydrocarbon containing only single bonds between carbon atoms, with the general formula CnH2n+2 (e.g., methane, ethane).

Alkene

An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond, with the general formula CnH2n (e.g., ethylene).

Alkyne

An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, with the general formula CnH2n-2 (e.g., acetylene).

Functional Group

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that determines the chemical properties and reactivity of that molecule (e.g., -OH, -COOH, -NH2).

Hydroxyl Group (-OH)

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, characteristic of alcohols. It makes molecules more polar and water-soluble.

Carboxyl Group (-COOH)

A functional group consisting of a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group, characteristic of carboxylic acids.

Amino Group (-NH2)

A functional group consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms, characteristic of amines and amino acids.

Carbonyl Group (C=O)

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, found in aldehydes and ketones.