Organic Geochemistry

Carbohydrates: Organic compounds composed only of carbon and hydrogen. The carbon atom has six electron in its ground state. These electrons are distributed with two in the inner K-shell and four in the outer L-shell. The L-shell electrons bond covalently in organic compounds. For example, methane CH4

Double bond Triple bond

Alkanes, or Aliphatic Hydrocarbons The alkanes contain only single bonds. These are called unsaturated hydrocarbons. They have the general formula CnH2n+2

The CH3 unit is called a methyl group The CH3 unit is called a methyl group. As it is attached to the second carbon, it is called 2-methylpropane. Isomers of alkanes are not limited to straight chains.

Alkanes may form closed rings; C5H10 C6H12 Alkanes may form closed rings; however, these are not isomers of pentane or hexane

Aromatic hydrocarbons contain the benzene ring illlustrated below benzene has the formula C6H6 The ring has double bonds between alternate pairs of carbon atoms.

Structures of some simple amino acids

Two forms of glucose.

Two common chlorofluorocarbons