Organic Chemistry
From ZuluNotes - Free Leaving Cert Notes
Organic Chemistry is the study of the compounds of carbon.
A hydrocarbon is a compound which contains atoms of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) only - common sources are coal, natural gas (methane) and petroleum (crude oil).
Hydrocarbons can be grouped in homologous series. These are groups of compounds of uniform chemical type which share a general chemical formula, show gradations (gradual changes) in physical properties. Each member of a homologous series differs from the one before it by CH2 unit.
There are 3 main homologous series of hydrocarbons:
alkanes (carbon-carbon single bonds only) alkenes (carbon-carbon double bond present) alkynes (carbon-carbon triple bond present)
To remember the amount of bonds in these atoms remember that they are in alphabetical order No. of Bonds 1,2,3 -> Ane, Ene, Yne.
Aromatic hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons that contain a benzene (Formula: C6H6) ring in their structure. Examples include benzaldehyde, a major component of almond oil.
