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Organic Chemistry

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Last updated date: 17th Apr 2024
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An Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry is one of the two branches of Chemistry. Thus forming an integral part of the subject. 


In this article, we will be learning about Organic Chemistry - What is Organic Chemistry will be discussed in the next section where the students will vividly understand the meaning of Organic Chemistry. We will also share the topics of organic chemistry that the students are required to understand. We will further our discussion, with the basic principles and techniques of organic chemistry in this context. 


Students are advised to go through the article in order to gain knowledge of Organic Chemistry.

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What is Organic Chemistry?

Organic Chemistry is an integral part of Chemistry that studies organic compounds scientifically. Organic Compounds are those compounds containing covalently bonded carbon atoms. 


What do Organic Compounds Deal with?

Organic compounds deal with:

  • The structure of the Organic Compounds

  • Chemical Composition of Organic Compounds

  • Physical and Chemical Properties of Organic Compounds

  • Compounds undergoing the chemical processes 


Application of Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry has made some commendable contributions to the mankind:

  • Synthesis of several drugs, polymers, and other natural products

  • Design and construction of organic compounds for practical applications. 


Organic Chemistry Topics 

Check out the following contents which a student is required to study in Organic Chemistry. With the topics, we also have shared a brief explanation of the same so that the students understand the very gist of the concepts:

Serial No. 

Topics

Sub-topics


Structure and bonding

  • Dot structures: Structure and bonding

  • Hybridization: Structure and bonding

  • Bond-line structures



Resonance and acid-base chemistry

  • Counting electrons: Resonance and acid-base chemistry

  • Resonance structures: Resonance and acid-base chemistry

  • Organic acid-base chemistry



Alkanes, cycloalkanes, and functional groups

  • Naming alkanes: Alkanes, cycloalkanes, and functional groups

  • Naming alkanes, cycloalkanes, and bicyclic compounds: Alkanes, cycloalkanes, and functional groups

  • Conformations of alkanes: Alkanes, cycloalkanes, and functional groups

  • Conformations of cycloalkanes: Alkanes, cycloalkanes, and functional groups

  • Functional groups


Stereochemistry

  • Chirality: Stereochemistry

  • Enantiomers: Stereochemistry

  • Stereoisomeric relationships


Substitution and elimination reaction

  • Free radical reaction: Substitution and elimination reactions

  • Nucleophilicity and basicity: Substitution and elimination reactions

  • Elimination reactions: Substitution and elimination reactions

  • Sn1/Sn2/E1/E2: Substitution and elimination reactions

  • Sn1 and Sn2: Substitution and elimination reactions

  • E1 and E2 reactions: Substitution and elimination reactions

  • Sn1/Sn2/E1/E2


Alkenes and alkynes


  • Naming alkenes: Alkenes and alkynes

  • Alkene reactions: Alkenes and alkynes

  • Alkene nomenclature: Alkenes and alkynes

  • Alkene reactions: Alkenes and alkynes

  • Naming and preparing alkynes: Alkenes and alkynes

  • Alkyne reactions: Alkenes and alkynes

  • Synthesis using alkynes



Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Alcohol nomenclature and properties: Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Synthesis of alcohols: Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Reactions of alcohols: Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Nomenclature and properties of ethers: Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Synthesis and cleavage of ethers: Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Nomenclature and preparation of epoxides: Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Ring-opening reactions of epoxides: Alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides

  • Thiols and sulfides



Conjugated systems and pericyclic reactions

Diels-Alder reaction


Aromatic compounds

  • Naming benzene derivatives: Aromatic compounds

  • Reactions of benzene: Aromatic compounds

  • Aromatic stability: Aromatic compounds

  • Electrophilic aromatic substitution: Aromatic compounds

  • Directing effects: Aromatic compounds

  • Other reactions and synthesis: Aromatic compounds

  • Nucleophilic aromatic substitution



Aldehydes and ketones

  • Introduction to aldehydes and ketones: Aldehydes and ketones

  • Reactions of aldehydes and ketones



Carboxylic acids and derivatives

  • Naming carboxylic acids: Carboxylic acids and derivatives

  • Formation of carboxylic acid derivatives: Carboxylic acids and derivatives

  • Nomenclature and reactions of carboxylic acids



Alpha carbon chemistry

Formation of enolate anions: Alpha carbon chemistry

Aldol condensations



Amines

Naming amines


Spectroscopy

  • Infrared spectroscopy: Spectroscopy

  • UV/Vis Spectroscopy: Spectroscopy

  • Proton NMR


Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles and Techniques 

In this section we will be studying Organic Chemistry Basics. Meaning we will have a brief discussion on the basic principles and techniques of Organic Chemistry. Study the following topics to know more about Organic Chemistry:

  1. Organic Chemistry - The Definition -

We have already studied the definition of Organic Chemistry which is the scientific study of carbon compounds, these carbon compounds are basically hydrocarbons and their derivatives. These compounds are extracted from plants and animals. 


  1. Carbon Shapes of the Organic Compounds - 

In this, we study catenation, which is defined as the atoms of an element that links to form chains and rings via itself and is thus known as the self-linking element. 

Further, in this topic, we also learn about ‘Tetravalency’ which means that the carbon compound is satisfied by forming the carbon, hydrogen, or other atoms.


  1. Structural Representation of Organic Compounds -

There are basically three structures of Organic Compounds formation:

  • Complete Structural Formula

  • Condensed Structural Formula

  • Bondline Structural Formula


  1. Classification of Organic Compounds - 

Organic Compounds can be classified into the following:

  • Acyclic or Open Chain Compounds & Alicyclic or Closed Chain or Ring Compounds

  • Aromatic Compounds

  • Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds 


  1. Nomenclature of Organic Compounds - 

The nomenclature follows the suggestions of IUPAC in naming the organic compounds, carbocations, etc. 


  1. Methods of Purification of Organic Compounds -

Following are the methods of purification of organic compounds:

  • Simple crystallization 

  • Fractional crystallization 

  • Sublimation 

  • Simple distillation 

  • Fractional distillation

  • Steam distillation

  • Azeotropic distillation 

  • Chromatography 


Hope this article benefitted the students with required insights about Organic Chemistry. We have discussed the definition of Organic Compounds, the topics covered in the chapter of Organic Compounds, and the basic principles and bases of Organic Compounds

FAQs on Organic Chemistry

1. Tell me Something about the Representation of Organic Compounds.

Organic compounds are represented in 4 ways:

  • Complete Structural Formula- In this representation, we mention the whole atomic structure of the compound.

  • Condensed Structural Formula- In this representation, we do not write the whole atomic structure. We do not write the symbol of the element as many times as it is present in the compound. We just mention how many of each of the elements is present in the compound by writing the number beside the chemical symbol of the element.

  • Bond Line Formula- Here bonds are represented with a line connecting two atoms.

  • 3 Dimensional Formula- Here the structure shows exactly where the elements or electrons are. The angle between the two-electron, the height of the atoms - all can be identified with the help of 3-dimensional formula

2. What is the Rule Pertaining to the Nomenclature of Organic Compounds?

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry is the one behind the formulation of the rules of nomenclature. This nomenclature system is quite robust and logical. The functional group is denoted by the suffix. The number of carbon atoms is denoted by the prefix of the compound’s name. There are rules for the branched groups, there are rules for the alkyl halides - mo aspect has been left out.

3. What are the Functional Groups?

Functional groups are those groups of atoms that are attached to the core molecular framework of a compound. This functional group gives the molecule its unique characteristics.

4. What are Homologous Series?

A group of organic compounds that contain the same kind of functional group is called the homologous series. Example - Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane.

5. What is Isomerism?

The case of having two or more organic compounds that possess the same molecular formula but different properties is known as isomerism. This difference of properties is because of the different arrangements of the atoms.

6. How are organic compounds classified?

Organic compounds are usually classified into two groups- cyclic compounds and acyclic compounds. The explanations for each have been provided on Organic Chemistry - Definition, Importance, Theories, and Classifications that are on Vedantu.


These compounds need to be understood so that the students can tackle questions that might come from here.  They need to be revised thoroughly and only the students who understand organic compounds will be able to have a grasp over the other complex concepts that come later on.

7. What are Homocyclic compounds?

Homocyclic compounds are compounds that contain rings that are made up of only carbon atoms. They are also known as Carbocyclic compounds. More about this has been included in Organic Chemistry - Definition, Importance, Theories and Classifications that are on Vedantu’s online tutoring platform. The explanations for each are brief and also quite simple. They can be understood well if the students read from this chapter. The matter that’s on the page has been created by Chemistry experts and so, only what is necessary has been included here.

8. Which parts of Organic Chemistry are important for the students to read?

All the important portions have been included here- Organic Chemistry - Definition, Importance, Theories, and Classifications. The page is a comprehensive guidebook for all the students who need to know about such vital concepts. Portions such as the organic and inorganic compounds, theories, hybridizations have been included as questions will only come from these during a test on the subject.  Students need to scan this page once before their exam so as to understand the key parts. Organic Chemistry is an important topic and nothing important should be left out from the chapter.

9. What are organic molecules?

A complex molecule known as organic is mainly composed of carbon atoms joined to other atoms of the same element and/or other carbon atoms. Each and every living thing on earth is made up of organic molecules.


Atoms that are bound together form molecules. "Organic" describes substances that include carbon or more broadly, living things. Every living thing (plant or animal) is formed of organic molecules, and most of them require other organic molecules to survive, making them the "building blocks" of life. Animals' and plants' DNA and RNA are made of organic molecules.