Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with carbon compounds.
Organic compounds can be classified based on the functional groups they contain.
A functional group is a collection of atoms that are substantially responsible for the parent molecule's chemical behavior.
Because they are only made up of hydrogen and carbon, most organic substances are derived from a category of compounds called hydrocarbons.
Aromatic hydrocarbons contain one or more benzene rings, whereas aliphatic hydrocarbons do not contain the benzene group or the benzene ring.
The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n + 2, where n = 1, 2
Alkane hydrocarbon molecules are distinguished by the presence of only single covalent bonds.
Because they contain the greatest amount of hydrogen atoms that may link with the number of carbon atoms present, alkanes are known as saturated hydrocarbons.
Cycloalkanes are alkanes that have their carbon atoms arranged in a ring.
Unsaturated hydrocarbons, or alkenes, are molecules containing double or triple carbon-carbon bonds that allow them to incorporate hydrogen atoms.
Additional reactions, in which one molecule adds to another to generate a single product, are common in unsaturated hydrocarbons.
The substitution reaction, in which an atom or group of atoms replaces an atom or group of atoms in another molecule, is the most typical reaction of halogens with benzene.
In substances, benzene rings can be fused together to produce an enormously large number of compounds.
Naphthalene, which is used in mothballs is the best known of these compounds.
The coal tar contains these and many similar compounds.
Some of the compounds with several rings can cause cancer in humans and other animals.
They are potent carcinogenic.
The hydroxyl functional group, —OH, is found in all alcohols.
The R—O—R′ connection is found in ethers, where R and R′ are hydrocarbon groups.
They are created when an alkoxide reacts with an alkyl halide.
Condensation reaction involves the combining of two molecules and the removal of a small molecule, usually water.
At least one hydrogen atom is connected to the carbon in the carbonyl group in an aldehyde.
The carbonyl group's carbon atom is linked to two hydrocarbon groups in a ketone.
The general formula for esters is R′COOR, where R′ might be H or a hydrocarbon group and R is also a hydrocarbon group.
Esters are utilized in the confectionery and soft-drink industries as flavoring ingredients and the production of perfumes.
Saponification traditionally referred to the alkaline hydrolysis of fatty acid esters to produce soap molecules.
Saponification has evolved into a catch-all term for the alkaline hydrolysis of any ester.
Amines are organic bases with the formula R3N, where R might be hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group.