Cycloalkanes Cycloalkanes, the intriguing closed-ring structures found in organic chemistry, have fascinated scientists for decades. These compounds, composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, exhibit unique stability patterns that defy simple intuition. In this article, we delve into the theories that shed light on their relative stability. From Baeyer strain theory to the role of … Read more
Polynuclear hydrocarbons: Synthesis and Reactions Polynuclear hydrocarbons, also known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are a fascinating class of organic compounds. PAHs are like the cosmic jigsaw puzzles of chemistry—they’re composed of multiple interconnected aromatic rings. Picture these rings as interconnected hexagons, each with its own set of carbon atoms. The simplest PAH is naphthalene, … Read more
Fats and Oils: Reactions and analytical constants Fats and oils are essential lipids found in both animals and plants. Fats, solid at room temperature, include saturated fats (from animal products) and trans fats (often in processed foods). Oils, liquid at room temperature, contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, present in … Read more
Aromatic amines and Aromatic acids Aromatic amines are a special class of organic compounds where the nitrogen atom is directly connected to an aromatic ring structure. These compounds combine the aromatic character of the ring with the basic properties of amines. For example, Picture a benzene ring (that hexagonal, pleasantly aromatic structure) with a nitrogen … Read more
Acidity of phenols, effect of substituents on acidity Phenols are organic compounds featuring one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups directly bonded to an aromatic ring. Unlike alcohols, phenols are more acidic and possess higher boiling points due to stronger hydrogen bonding. They often exist as colorless liquids or white solids. Phenols are versatile substances with … Read more
Substituents of benzene Substituents of Benzene, when we talk about substituents in the context of benzene, we’re referring to atoms or groups of atoms that replace one or more hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring. These substituents can significantly influence the reactivity and properties of the benzene compound. Substituents are atoms or groups of atoms … Read more
Structure of Benzene: Orbital Picture, Huckel’s rule Benzene, a simple yet remarkably versatile hydrocarbon, stands as a cornerstone in the realm of organic chemistry. Its unique ring structure, characterized by alternating double bonds, has bestowed upon its properties that have revolutionized countless industries. From the plastics that shape our world to the medicines that heal, … Read more
Aliphatic amines Aliphatic amines are organic compounds derived from ammonia (NH₃) by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with alkyl or aryl groups. Unlike their aromatic counterparts, aliphatic amines have an open-chain structure. They’re highly reactive and often form bonds with other molecules. These amines come in primary (1°), secondary (2°), and tertiary (3°) varieties, … Read more
Carboxylic Acids Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl functional group (also known as the carboxylate group). These compounds are widely found in nature and are also synthesized by humans. When a carbonyl carbon (C=O) is also bonded to a hydroxyl group (–OH), we get a carboxylic acid. Here are some key points. … Read more
Carboxylic acids Carboxylic acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl functional group (also known as the carboxylate group). These compounds are widely found in nature and are also synthesized by humans. When a carbonyl carbon (C=O) is also bonded to a hydroxyl group (–OH), we get a carboxylic acid. The general formula for a … Read more