Organic Chemistry of Life Flashcards
The Holiness of Carbon
Carbon’s ability to form 4 bonds allows a small amount of elements to make up A LOT of everything
(Carbon chains form the basis of most organic molecules)
Hydrocarbons
Organic molecules consisting of only hydrogen and carbon
Isomers
One of 2 or more compounds that have the same # of atoms of the same elements BUT have different structures
Structural Isomer
Same molecular formula but different covalent arrangements of their atoms
Types of Isomers
1) Structural
2) Cis-trans
3) Enantiomers
Cis-Trans Isomers
(AKA Geometric Isomers)
Same molecular formula AND covalent bonds BUT, differ in arrangement about a double bond
Cis = “same side”
Trans = “opposite sides”
Enantiomers
Compounds that are mirror images of each other –> Cannot superimpose onto each other
(Like your left and right hands)
–> Differ in shape due to the presence of an asymmetrical carbon
NOTE: Usually one of the enantiomers is biologically active while the other is not
Functional Group
A specific configuration of atoms, commonly attached to carbon skeletons of organic molecules, and are involved in chemical reactions
–> Each has characteristic functions properties that cause it to participate in chemical reaction in a characteristic way
(Add “function” to molecules)
The 6 Major Functional Groups
1) Hydroxyl
2) Carbonyl
3) Carboxyl
4) Amino
5) Sulfhydryl
6) Phosphate
Hydroxyl Group
–OH
–> Forms alcohols
–> POLAR
Carbonyl Group
The one you always forget
–CO
(Trying to be carboxyl but failed)
–> Forms ketones or aldehydes
–> POLAR
Carboxyl Group
–COOH
Your Fave
–> Forms carboxylic acids
–> NEGATIVE charge
–> Acts as an ACID
Amino Group
–NH2
The chill one
–> Forms amines
–> POSITIVE Charge
–> ACTS AS A BASE!!!! (don’t forget this): it is an acceptor of H+ ions
Sulfhydryl Group
–SH
The quirky one
–> Forms Thiols
–> POLAR
–> Forms S-S Bonds
Phosphate Group
–OPO3 (2-)
The mom of the group
–> Forms organic phosphates
–> NEGATIVE Charge
–> Bulky
