Carbon Compounds

VERSITILE CARBON  Carbon has a valence of 4 which makes it capable of entering into 4 covalent bonds.

VERSITILE CARBON  Carbon has a valence of 4 which makes it capable of entering into 4 covalent bonds.  Carbon binds with many different atoms to form complex molecules.  Compounds that are composed of carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons.

Shape is Important  The shape of a molecule is important to it’s function in a living cell  Shape is determined by overlapping electron orbitals.

Isomers Two chemical compounds with the same molecular formula but differ in structural formula are called isomers.

Which pair of compounds are Isomers?

Isomers are Biologically significant There are three types isomers  Structural isomers  Same molecular formula different structural shape.  Geometric Isomers  Different arrangement of groups of atoms about the double bond between the carbons.  Enantiomers  Mirror images of each other  Right and left handed forms.  Thalidomide

» Structural » Geometric » Enantiomers

Estradiol versus Testosterone

Functional Groups  The components of organic molecules that most commonly involved in chemical reactions.  Functional groups give molecules unique characteristics.

Types of Functional Groups  Hydroxyl group (OH)  Alcohols  Soluble in water  Carbonyl Group (C=O)  Aldehyde  Occur on the end of the molecule  Ketone  Occur in the middle of the molecule

Types of Functional Groups  Carboxyl Group (COOH)  Carboxylic acids  Acts like an acid (donates protons)  Found in all amino acids  Amino Group (NH 2 )  Amines  Acts like a base (accepts protons)  Found in all amino acids

Types of Functional Groups  Sulfhydryl Group (SH)  Thiols  Form cross bridges that stabilize proteins.  Phosphate Group (PO 4 )  Has a negative charge  Transfers energy between organic molecules  ATP