Organic Chemistry: Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Organic Chemistry:

Definition: Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the structure,
properties, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds.

Importance of Carbon: Carbon is unique in its ability to form diverse and complex
molecules due to its four valence electrons and the ability to form stable covalent bonds.

2. Structure of Organic Compounds:

Hydrocarbons: Compounds consisting of only carbon and hydrogen.

Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds.

Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond.

Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond.

Functional Groups: Specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the
compound's chemical properties.

Examples: Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Ethers, etc.

3. Isomerism:

Structural Isomers: Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural
arrangements.

Stereoisomers: Molecules with the same connectivity of atoms but different spatial
arrangements.
4. Organic Reaction Mechanisms:

Substitution Reactions: Atoms or groups are replaced by different atoms or groups.

Addition Reactions: Two or more molecules combine to form a larger one.

Elimination Reactions: A molecule loses atoms to form a double bond or ring structure.
5. Nomenclature:

IUPAC Naming: International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry rules for systematic
naming of organic compounds.

Common Names: Traditional names for some compounds, especially those with historical
significance.

6. Resonance and Electron Pushing:

Resonance: Describes the delocalization of electrons in certain molecules.

Electron Pushing (Curved Arrow Notation): A tool to depict the flow of electrons during
reactions.

7. Reaction Types:

Acid-Base Reactions: Involving the transfer of protons (H+).

Reduction-Oxidation (Redox) Reactions: Involving the transfer of electrons.

8. Stereochemistry:

Chirality: Molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images.

Enantiomers and Diastereomers: Types of stereoisomers.

9. Organic Synthesis:

Retrosynthetic Analysis: Breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to plan a
synthesis.

Protecting Groups: Temporary modifications to prevent unwanted reactions during

synthesis.

10. Organic Spectroscopy:

Techniques such as NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and IR (Infrared) spectroscopy to

analyze the structure of organic compounds.