Organic Chemistry and the Importance of Carbon The Chemistry of Life Organic Chemistry and the Importance of Carbon

Organic Chemistry Study of carbon-based compounds Range from simple molecules (monomers) to large biomolecules (polymers)

Carbon Very unique in its ability to form large, complex, diverse molecules Has 4 valence electrons Can form up to 4 covalent bonds (tetracovalence) Bonds can be single, double, or triple covalent Molecules can be chains, ring-shaped, or branched Can create many isomers (molecules with same formula, but different atom arrangement)

Carbon Bonding C2H6 C2H4 C2H2

Molecule Shape branched linear ring

Carbon Bonding & Molecular Shape Creates a tetrahedron when C has a single bond with other molecule Creates a flat molecule when C is double bonded

Creating Variety Hydrocarbons – molecules consisting of C and H covalently bonded Found in fat molecules Produce large quantities of energy

Creating Variety Both are molecules of C6H12 Have different properties because of bonding

Building Biological Molecules Functional Groups – chemical groups that attach to the C skeleton that change molecular function Hydroxyl Carbonyl Carboxyl Amino Sulfhydryl Phosphate Methyl

Hydroxyls (-OH) Examples: Alcohols (ethanol, methanol) Polar and hydrophilic Function: helps dissolve organic compounds (sugar)

Carboxyls (-COOH) Examples: carboxylic acid, acetic acid (vinegar) Organic acids Found in fatty acids and sugars Hydrophilic and polar

Carbonyls (>CO) Examples: ketones, aldehydes, acetone (nail polish remover) Found in sugars Hydrophilic and polar

Amino (-NH2) Example: amino acids Acts like a base Group to form proteins Hydrophilic and polar

Sulfhydryl (-SH) Examples: proteins in hair Found in some amino acids

Phosphate (-PO3) Examples: ATP, DNA, phospholipids Has the potential to react with water to create energy Hydrophilic and polar

Methyl (-CH3) Example: butane Binding to DNA changes the expression of genes Arrangement affects the shape and function of hormones Hydrophobic