What is an organic compound definition structure types and examples
Organic compounds are a substance that contains covalently- bonded carbon and hydrogen and often with other elements. Organic compounds examples are benzoic Acid, aromatic compounds, benzoic aldehyde, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, malonic acid, amines, heterocyclic compounds, VOC, benzoic acid, and diethyl malonate.
Aromatic Compounds
Benzoic Acid
It is an aromatic carboxylic compound. Its molecular formula is C6H5COOH. It contains a carboxylic group attached to a benzene ring.
Benzoic Acid Structure
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Properties of Benzoic Acid
Physical Properties of Benzoic Acid
Its molar mass is 122.12 g/mol
Its melting point is 122.3℃.
Its boiling point is 249.2℃.
Its density is 1.27 g/ cm3.
It is a colourless crystalline solid.
It is soluble in non-polar solvents.
Chemical Properties of Benzoic Acid
Its heat capacity is 146.7 J/mol.K.
It is irritant in nature.
Its flash point is 121.5 degrees celsius.
It is acid in nature.
Benzoic Aldehyde
It is an aromatic carbaldehyde compound. Its molecular formula is C6H5CHO. It contains a carbaldehyde group attached to a benzene ring. Its IUPAC name is Benzaldehyde.
Benzoic Aldehyde Structure
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Properties of Benzoic Aldehyde
Physical Properties of Benzoic Aldehyde
It is a colourless liquid.
It has an almond-like odour.
Its melting point is -26 degrees celsius.
Its boiling point is 179 degrees celsius.
It is slightly soluble in polar solvents like water.
Chemical Properties of Benzoic Aldehyde
It is irritant in nature.
Its flash point is 145 ℉.
Its heat of combustion is 3525 KJ/mol.
Its heat of vaporization is 42.5 KJ/mol.
It is acidic in nature.
Aliphatic Compounds
Propanoic Acid
Propanoic acid is a three-carbon saturated molecule. It contains one carboxylic group attached to the carbon. It acts as an antifungal drug. It is the conjugate acid of propionate.
Structure of Propanoic Acid
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Properties of Propanoic Acid
Physical Properties of Propanoic Acid
It is a colourless liquid.
It has a sharp rancid odour.
Its melting point is -20.7 degrees celsius.
Its boiling point is 141.1 degrees celsius.
It is soluble in polar solvents like water.
Chemical Properties of Propanoic Acid
It produces irritating vapours.
Its flash point is 130 ℉.
It is corrosive in nature.
Its heat of combustion is 1528.3 KJ/mol.
Its heat of vapourisation is 418.7 KJ/mol.
It is acidic in nature.
Butanoic Acid
Butanoic acid is a Four-carbon saturated molecule. It contains one carboxylic group attached to the carbon. Its molecular formula is C4H8O2. It is the conjugate acid of butanoate. Its common name is butyric acid.
Structure of Butanoic Acid
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Properties of Butanoic Acid
Physical properties of Butanoic Acid:
It is a colourless liquid.
It has an unpleasant odour.
Its melting point is -5.7 degrees celsius.
Its boiling point is 326.3 ℉.
It is soluble in polar solvents like water.
Chemical Properties of Butanoic Acid
It produces irritating vapours.
Its flash point is 170℉.
It is corrosive in nature.
Its heat of combustion is 521.87 Kg cal/gm.
Its heat of vapourisation is 40.45 KJ/mol.
It is acidic in nature.
Malonic Acid
Malonic acid is a three-carbon saturated molecule. It contains two carboxylic groups attached to the carbon. Its molecular formula is C3H4O4. It is the conjugate acid of malonate. Its IUPAC name is Propanedioic acid.
Structure of Malonic Acid
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Properties of Malonic Acid
Physical Properties of Malonic Acid
It occurs in a white crystal or crystalline powder form.
It is hygroscopic in nature.
It has an odour similar to acetic acid.
Its melting point is 276.1℉.
Its boiling point is 284 ℉.
It is soluble in polar solvents like water.
Chemical Properties of Malonic Acid
It produces irritating vapours.
Its flash point is 170 ℉.
It is corrosive in nature.
Its heat of combustion is 864 KJ/mol.
Its heat of vapourisation is 92 KJ/mol.
It is acidic in nature.
Diethyl Malonate
Diethylmalonate is a saturated carbon chain molecule. It occurs naturally in many fruits. It is used as a flavouring agent. Hydrolysis of diethyl malonate produces ethanol and malonic acid.
Structure of Diethyl Malonate
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Properties of Diethyl Malonate
Physical Properties of Diethyl Malonate
It is a colourless liquid.
It is hygroscopic in nature.
It has a sweet ester like odour.
Its melting point is -50 degrees celsius.
Its boiling point is 200 degrees Celsius.
It is soluble in polar solvents like ethanol, acetone, and water.
Chemical Properties of Diethyl Malonate
It produces irritating vapours.
Its flash point is 200 ℉.
It is corrosive in nature.
Its vapour pressure is 0.27 mm Hg.
Its heat of vapourisation is 64.7 KJ/mol.
It is acidic in nature.
Other Organic Compounds Examples are:
Heterocyclic Compounds
These are the cyclic compounds that contain two or more than two different types of elements in the ring. These compounds are also called heterocycles. These compounds are widely distributed in nature. Heterocyclic compounds play a vital role in the biochemistry of the cells. Some of the heterocyclic compounds are toxic in nature. The main type of heterocycles that occur in genes are purines and pyrimidines.
Some examples of heterocyclic compounds are oxirane, oxetane, thiole, azole, azolidine, pyran, pyridine, and dioxane.
Structure of Heterocyclic Compounds
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VOC
VOC stands for the volatile organic compound. This is the class of organic compounds that contains the most harmful organic air pollutant. These are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. This compound produces both long and short term adverse health effects.
Sources of VOC are
Pesticides
Paints
Wood preservatives
Sprays (air fresheners, perfumes, and other sprays)
Disinfectants
Automobiles
Printers
Harmful Effects of VOC
Eyes and nose irritation
Headache
Nausea
Allergic reactions
Dizziness
Cancer
Damage to the central nervous system
Did You Know?
Most of the organic compounds are made up of chains of a carbon atom.
The organic compounds found in the living body are carbohydrate, protein, and nucleic acids.
The process of forming organic compounds is called organic synthesis.
FAQs on Organic Compound Concept Structure Properties and Classification
1. What is an organic compound?
An organic compound is a chemical compound that primarily contains carbon (C) atoms bonded to hydrogen (H), often along with oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or halogens.
- Most organic compounds contain C–H bonds.
- They form the basis of organic chemistry, which studies carbon-containing substances.
- Examples include methane (CH4), ethanol (C2H5OH), and glucose (C6H12O6).
2. What are the main types of organic compounds?
The main types of organic compounds are classified based on their functional groups.
- Hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics)
- Alcohols (–OH group)
- Carboxylic acids (–COOH group)
- Amines (–NH2 group)
- Esters (–COO– group)
3. What is the difference between organic and inorganic compounds?
The key difference is that organic compounds contain carbon bonded to hydrogen, while most inorganic compounds do not.
- Organic example: CH4 (methane)
- Inorganic example: NaCl (sodium chloride)
- Exception: Some carbon compounds like CO2 and CaCO3 are considered inorganic.
4. What are hydrocarbons in organic chemistry?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made only of carbon and hydrogen.
- Alkanes: single bonds (e.g., C2H6)
- Alkenes: at least one double bond (e.g., C2H4)
- Alkynes: at least one triple bond (e.g., C2H2)
5. What is a functional group in an organic compound?
A functional group is a specific atom or group of atoms in an organic molecule that determines its chemical properties and reactions.
- Example: The –OH group defines an alcohol.
- The –COOH group defines a carboxylic acid.
- The –NH2 group defines an amine.
6. How are organic compounds formed?
Organic compounds are formed mainly through covalent bonding between carbon and other elements.
- Carbon forms four covalent bonds due to its tetravalency.
- Example of formation (combustion reaction): CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
- They can also form through substitution, addition, and condensation reactions.
7. What is catenation in organic compounds?
Catenation is the ability of carbon atoms to bond with each other to form long chains or rings.
- Carbon forms stable C–C single, double, and triple bonds.
- This leads to straight chains, branched chains, and cyclic structures.
- Example: Hexane C6H14 contains a chain of six carbon atoms.
8. What is the general formula of alkanes?
The general formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms.
- For n = 1: CH4 (methane)
- For n = 2: C2H6 (ethane)
- For n = 3: C3H8 (propane)
9. Why is carbon important in organic compounds?
Carbon is important because it is tetravalent and can form stable covalent bonds with itself and other elements.
- Forms four covalent bonds.
- Exhibits catenation.
- Forms single, double, and triple bonds.
10. Can you give an example of an organic reaction?
An example of an organic reaction is the esterification reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol to form an ester and water.
- Example: CH3COOH(l) + C2H5OH(l) ⇌ CH3COOC2H5(l) + H2O(l)
- Reactants: Ethanoic acid and ethanol
- Product: Ethyl ethanoate (an ester)
