Question

Match each description with a term from the following list: alkane, alkene, alkyne, alcohol, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, amine, amide, functional group, isomers. a. organic compounds with identical molecular formulas that differ in the order the atoms are connected b. an organic compound in which the hydrogen atom of a carboxyl group is replaced by a carbon atom c. an organic compound that contains an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms d. a hydrocarbon that contains a carbon-carbon triple bond e. a characteristic group of atoms that make compounds behave and react in a particular way f. an organic compound in which the carbonyl group is bonded to two carbon atoms

Short answer

a. isomers; b. ester; c. ether; d. alkyne; e. functional group; f. ketone.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Terms in the List

Review the given list of terms: alkane, alkene, alkyne, alcohol, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, amine, amide, functional group, isomers.

Match Description (a)

Identify 'organic compounds with identical molecular formulas that differ in the order the atoms are connected.' These compounds are called 'isomers.'

Match Description (b)

An 'organic compound in which the hydrogen atom of a carboxyl group is replaced by a carbon atom' is called an 'ester.'

Match Description (c)

An 'organic compound that contains an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms' is an 'ether.'

Match Description (d)

A 'hydrocarbon that contains a carbon-carbon triple bond' is known as an 'alkyne.'

Match Description (e)

A 'characteristic group of atoms that make compounds behave and react in a particular way' is called a 'functional group.'

Match Description (f)

An 'organic compound in which the carbonyl group is bonded to two carbon atoms' is known as a 'ketone.'

Key concepts

Functional Groups

In organic chemistry, a functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. Functional groups are crucial because they determine the properties and reactivity of the organic compounds.
Common functional groups include:

• Hydroxyl group (-OH), found in alcohols.
• Carbonyl group (C=O), found in aldehydes and ketones.
• Carboxyl group (-COOH), found in carboxylic acids.
• Amino group (-NH₂), found in amines and amides.

Functional groups can act as sites for reactions and can influence the physical properties of the compound, such as solubility and boiling point. Understanding these groups is fundamental for recognizing how different organic compounds will behave in chemical reactions.

Isomers

Isomers are organic compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms in space. This means that they contain the same number and types of atoms, but these atoms are connected or arranged differently. There are two primary types of isomers:

• Structural isomers: These have different covalent arrangements of their atoms.
• Stereoisomers: These have the same covalent arrangements but differ in the spatial arrangements of atoms.

Isomers are vital in organic chemistry because they can exhibit vastly different chemical and physical properties despite having the same molecular formula. They help chemists understand how different structures can influence the properties and behaviors of molecules.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. They are the simplest type of organic compound and serve as the foundation for more complex molecules. Hydrocarbons are classified into several categories based on the types of bonds between carbon atoms:

• Alkanes: Hydrocarbons with single carbon-carbon bonds (saturated).
• Alkenes: Hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond (unsaturated).
• Alkynes: Hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond (unsaturated).

Hydrocarbons are significant because they are major components of fuels (like gasoline and natural gas) and are starting materials for producing a wide range of chemicals. Understanding the different types of hydrocarbons helps in studying their properties and applications in real life.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are molecules that contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, and possibly other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens. These compounds form the basis for all known life on Earth and include a vast variety of substances. Examples include:

• Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches used for energy storage and structure in cells.
• Proteins: Made of amino acids, perform many functions in organisms including enzymes and structural components.
• Lipids: Fats and oils used for long-term energy storage and as components of cell membranes.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, which store and transmit genetic information.

The study of organic compounds is essential for various fields of science and industry, from biology and medicine to materials science and chemistry. Mastering the basics of organic compounds provides the foundation for further exploration in organic chemistry and related disciplines.