Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry is the branch of chemistry that involves study of structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds that mainly contain carbon atoms. Historically, it was thought that organic compounds could only be derived from living organisms, a theory known as vitalism, until Friedrich Wöhler synthesized urea in 1828, disproving this notion and showing that organic compounds can be prepared from inorganic materials.

1.0Organic Compounds in Organic Chemistry

Organic compounds are chemical compounds that primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements, forming a vast array of structures and functions essential to life and various industrial applications. 

Organic compounds are studied separately because of the vast number of carbon compounds and carbon's unique versatility in forming stable covalent bonds with other elements, especially hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and halogens. This leads to a huge diversity of structures and functions.

2.0Organic Chemistry Chapters

Here is a list of Chapters which are important to understand General Organic Chemistry:

3.0Importance of Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is important in the development of pharmaceuticals, leading to the creation of drugs that treat diseases and improve health. It plays an important role in the production of polymers and plastics, which are used in countless everyday products. 

4.0Sources of Organic Compounds

Organic compounds can be sourced from:

5.0Bonding in Organic Compounds

There are different types of bonding in compounds but Organic compounds primarily involve covalent bonding where carbon forms four bonds that can be single, double, or triple bonds. The bonding and hybridization (sp³, sp², sp) determine the molecular geometry and properties of organic molecules.

Polar and Non-Polar Bonds

Bonds in organic molecules can be polar or non-polar:

• Polar bonds occur when there is an unequal sharing of electrons between atoms with different electronegativities.
• Non-polar bonds occur when electrons are shared equally between atoms with similar electronegativities.

Hydrogen Bonding in Organic Compounds

Hydrogen bonding in organic compounds is a type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. This interaction significantly affects the properties and behavior of organic compounds, such as boiling and melting points, solubility, and biological activity.

6.0Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces in organic compounds include:

• Van der Waals forces (London dispersion forces)
• Dipole-dipole interactions
• Hydrogen bonds These forces influence the physical properties like boiling and melting points, solubility, and volatility of organic compounds.

7.0Representation of Organic Molecules

Organic molecules can be represented in various ways:

• Molecular formulas
• Structural formulas
• Condensed formulas
• Line-angle (skeletal) formulas
• Three-dimensional models to indicate stereochemistry

8.0Effects in Organic Chemistry

In organic chemistry, various effects influence the behavior and properties of organic molecules, including:

1. Inductive Effect: 

The electron-withdrawing or electron-donating effect transmitted through sigma bonds, affecting the stability and reactivity of molecules.

2. Resonance Effect: 

The delocalization of electrons in a molecule, which stabilizes the molecule by allowing electrons to be shared over multiple atoms.

3. Hyperconjugation: 

The interaction of sigma bonds with an adjacent empty or partially filled p-orbital or a pi-orbital, increasing the stability of carbocations and alkenes.

4. Electromeric Effect: 

The temporary shift of electrons in a pi-bond in the presence of an attacking reagent, impacting the reactivity of compounds in reactions.

5. Steric Effect: 

The influence of the physical size and spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, affecting reaction rates, mechanisms, and stability.

6. Tautomeric Effect: 

The equilibrium between two isomers, usually differing in the position of a proton and a double bond, impacting the reactivity and stability of compounds.

7. Aromaticity: 

The enhanced stability of cyclic compounds with conjugated pi-electron systems following Hückel's rule, affecting their chemical behavior.

9.0Purification of Organic Compounds

Purification techniques for organic compounds include:

These methods help isolate and purify compounds from mixtures based on differences in physical and chemical properties.

• Distillation
• Crystallization
• Chromatography
• Extraction