Chapter 4 Carbon and the

Molecular Diversity of Life

Organic Chemistry The study of carbon

compounds.

Urea

Carbon’s versatility Forms 4 covalent bonds. Molecular shape is

tetrahedral.

Bonds easily to itself.

Major Elements Of Organic Molecules

Carbon: +4 or -4 Hydrogen: +1 Oxygen: -2 Nitrogen: -3

The valences are the “rules” for building organic molecules.

Hydrocarbons Organic molecules made of

only carbon and hydrogen.

Examples

Isomers Compounds with the same

molecular formula but have different structures.

Result: Different molecular and chemical properties.

Types Of Isomers

1. Structural2. Geometric3. Enantiomers

Structural Isomers Different in covalent

arrangements of their atoms.

Butane Isobutane

Geometric Isomers Same covalent partnership

but differ in spatial arrangements.

Arise from the inflexibility of double bonds.

Enantiomers Molecules that are mirror

images of each other. Usually involve an

asymmetric carbon.

Comment Organisms are sensitive to

even the most subtle variations in molecular architecture.

Example - Thalidomide Cells can distinguish between

two isomers. One is an effective drug. The other causes birth

defects.

Functional Groups A group of atoms attached to

a carbon skeleton. Have consistent properties. Their number and kind give

properties to the molecule.

Importance of Functional Groups

What to focus on: Structure of the functional

group Properties of the functional

group Examples of molecules with

the functional group

Aldehydes A carbonyl group at the end of a

carbon skeleton. Ex. - C=O

| H Sometimes written as - CHO

Ketones A carbonyl group in the

middle of a carbon chain. Ex. -C-C-C- || 0

Carboxylic Acids Donate H+ (acid). Form many weak organic

acids.

Summary Be able to recognize isomers. Know the seven functional

groups and what properties they give to molecules.