Chemical Properties and Functional Groups

The properties of organic compounds are determined by their molecular structure and functional groups. Hydrocarbons represent the simplest organic compounds, containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Definition: Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms that give molecules their characteristic chemical properties.

Example: The hydroxyl group $-OH$ characterizes alcohols, such as ethanol found in wines and liquors.

Highlight: Hydrocarbons can be classified into:

• Alkanes (single bonds)
• Alkenes (double bonds)
• Alkynes (triple bonds)

Vocabulary: Isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements.

Functional Groups in Biomolecules

The final section explores specific functional groups and their roles in biological molecules. These groups determine how molecules interact and function within living systems.

Definition: The carbonyl group $C=O$ is a key functional group found in aldehydes and ketones.

Example: The amino group $-NH2$ is essential in proteins and amino acids.

Highlight: Different functional groups create distinct chemical properties:

• Hydroxyl groups $-OH$ in alcohols
• Carboxyl groups $-COOH$ in organic acids
• Amino groups $-NH2$ in proteins

Vocabulary: Aldehydes are compounds with a carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain.

Understanding Biomolecules and Their Structure

The foundation of life relies on biomolecules, which are primarily composed of a carbon skeleton. Living organisms consist mainly of water, with biomolecules making up the remaining solid portion, while ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium represent less than 1% of total mass.

Definition: Biomolecules are organic compounds made primarily of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen that form the building blocks of life.

Example: Methane (CH4) demonstrates the basic principle of carbon bonding, where one carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms.

Highlight: Carbon atoms form the central skeleton of all biological molecules due to their ability to form four covalent bonds.

Vocabulary: Monomers are simple molecules that can combine to form larger molecules called polymers.

The four main classes of biomolecules are:

• Carbohydrates (sugars)
• Lipids (fats and oils)
• Proteins
• Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)