Organic compounds

Definition

Organic compounds are chemical compounds that contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, or other carbon atoms. They form the basis of all known life and include a vast array of substances including hydrocarbons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Organic compounds primarily consist of carbon-hydrogen bonds.
2. Hydrocarbons are the simplest organic compounds, made entirely of carbon and hydrogen.
3. There are four main types of hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
4. Functional groups in organic compounds determine their chemical reactivity and properties.
5. Isomerism is common in organic compounds, where molecules with the same molecular formula have different structures.

Review Questions

• What elements are primarily found in organic compounds?
• Name the four main types of hydrocarbons.
• How do functional groups affect organic compounds?

Related terms

Hydrocarbon: A compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

Alkane: A hydrocarbon with single bonds only; general formula: $C_nH_{2n+2}$.

Functional Group: A specific group of atoms within a molecule responsible for characteristic reactions.