Module 1. The Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
Module 1. The Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
Single Double
bond bonds
Triple bonds
Branched- Chain Compounds
• Branched chain compounds consist of one or more
carbons of a straight chain compound forming bonds with
more than two carbons.
Ring Chain Compounds
• Ring chain compounds consist of a ring of carbon
atoms
Formulae which can be used to describe and
identify organic compounds:
1. Molecular formula:
The formula which shows the actual number of each type of
atom
» Covalent compounds are represented by molecular formula
2. Empirical formula
shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms or ions of
each element in a compound (molecule or formula unit)
– Ionic compounds are always represented by empirical
formulae
3. Full structural or displayed formula
show all the covalent bonds and atoms
present in a molecule
4. Condensed structural formula
shows the minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a
molecule, eg for butane:CH3CH2CH2CH3 or CH3(CH2)2CH3,
5. General formula
algebraic formula for a homologous series e.g. CnH2n
6. Skeletal formula
shows the simplified organic formula, shown by removing hydrogen
atoms from alkyl chains, leaving just a carbon skeleton and
associated functional groups
Skeletal Formula
Complete the table given below:
Butane
C4H10 CH3CH2CH2CH3
Methylpropane
C4H10 CH3CH(CH3)CH3
Ethanol
C2H5OH CH3CH2OH
Hexan-1-ol
C6H13OH CH3(CH2)4CH2OH
cyclopentane
C5H1O
Ethanoic acid
C2H4O2 CH3COOH
Homologous Series
» Table 1
Deducing an Empirical Formula
Remember
– You need to find the moles of each element in the
compound
– Then, find the simplest mole ratio of the elements
Try
Longest chain •The longest continuous chain containing the principle functional group
defines the root name.
•Other groups attached to this chain are called substituents.
•If there are two chains of equal length, then the choice that gives the simplest
substituents is chosen.
Numbering
(i.e. assigning locants)
•The numbers that define the positions of the principle functional group and
substituents are called locants.
•Compounds are numbered from one end of the longest continuous chain.
•The locants are assigned such that the principle functional group gets the
lowest possible locant.
•If this results in a "tie" then the first point of difference rule is applied so that
the first time a difference in numbering occurs, then the method that gives the
lower number at this first difference is used.
•In the event that there is no first point of difference then alphabetisation is
used.
EXAMPLES
Here are some examples:
MODULE 1. THE CHEMISTRY OF CARBON COMPOUNDS
TOPIC: STRUCTURAL ISOMERISM
Learning Outcomes:
Isomers of butane
(C4H10)
Structural isomers are classified as:
CHAIN ISOMERS
POSITIONAL ISOMERS
FUNCTIONAL GROUP ISOMERS
(an aldehyde) or
propanone (a ketone).
(ester).
1. Are the compounds given below
isomers? Explain why.
priorit
y
priorit
y
The effect of EZ stereoisomerism on physical properties
E-Z stereoisomers can have differing melting and boiling points .
Where there are four groups attached,
there is no symmetry anywhere in the molecule.
OPTICAL ISOMERS
Simple substances which show optical isomerism
exist as two isomers known as enantiomers.
Where there are four groups attached, there is no
symmetry anywhere in the molecule.!!!
A molecule which has no plane of
symmetry is described as chiral.
image.
When optically active substances are made
in the lab, they often occur as a 50/50
mixture of the two enantiomers.