Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds

and their properties, structure, reactions, and synthesis. Carbon is the backbone of organic molecules,
forming strong covalent bonds with other elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and various
others. Here are the key points to understand about organic chemistry:

Carbon as the Central Element: Organic chemistry revolves around carbon, which can form stable
covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, creating a wide range of complex and diverse molecules.

Hydrocarbons: Organic compounds primarily consist of hydrocarbons, which are molecules composed of
hydrogen and carbon atoms. Hydrocarbons can be classified into alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes based on
the type of carbon-carbon bonds they have.

Functional Groups: Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms within a molecule that dictate
its chemical reactivity and properties. Common functional groups include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones,
carboxylic acids, amines, and ethers.

Isomerism: Organic compounds can exhibit isomerism, where molecules with the same molecular
formula have different structural arrangements, leading to distinct properties.

Nomenclature: Organic chemistry employs a systematic naming system known as IUPAC (International
Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature to designate and classify organic compounds based
on their structure.

Reactions: Organic reactions involve the breaking and formation of chemical bonds to convert one
organic compound into another. Common types of reactions include addition, elimination, substitution,
and condensation reactions.

Stereochemistry: Stereochemistry deals with the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a

molecule, leading to different stereoisomers, such as cis-trans isomers and enantiomers.

Organic Synthesis: Organic chemists design and develop synthetic pathways to create complex organic
molecules for various applications, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymers, and materials.

Biochemistry: Organic chemistry plays a crucial role in biochemistry, as it involves the study of
biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are essential for life
processes.

Natural Products: Many organic compounds are found in nature and are known as natural products.
These include essential oils, alkaloids, steroids, and various other biologically active substances.

Environmental Impact: Organic chemistry also addresses environmental issues, including the study of
pollutants, the development of green chemistry techniques, and sustainable practices.