The Importance of Carbon

Organic Chemistry The study of carbon compounds Most naturally occurring organic compounds are produced by living organisms. Inorganic carbon compounds CO2- source of carbon for all the organic molecules found in organisms

Bonds Formed by Carbon When carbon has four single bonds, the bonds angle toward the corners of an imaginary tetrahedron.

When two carbon atom are joined by a double bond, all bonds around the carbon atom are in the same plane.

Carbon Skeletons Carbon atoms form chains that are the skeletons for most organic molecules. They vary in length in formation. Straight

Branched Ringed

Isomers Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas that cause the molecules to have different properties. Structural – differ in covalent arrangement Geometric- same covalent partnership but different spatial arrangements (arise from the inflexibility of a double bond) Enantiomers- mirror images of each other

Figure 4.6 Three types of isomers

Functional Groups Functional groups are attachments ( group of atoms that work together) that replace one or more of the H atoms attached to a carbon skeleton. Each functional group behaves consistently from one organic molecule to another. Functional groups give molecules unique properties.

Figure 4.8 A comparison of functional groups of female (estradiol) and male (testosterone) sex hormones

Six Important Functional Groups Hydroxyl Carbonyl Carboxyl Amino Sulfhydryl Phosphate