Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Author: Rino , Created on Oct 24, 2025 2 min read

A science centered around the element carbon, studying the structure, properties, reactions, and synthesis of its compounds.

chemistry organic-chemistry

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Why is Carbon the Core of Life?

Among the hundred-plus elements on the periodic table, why is Carbon so special that it can form the backbone of all life on Earth? Organic Chemistry is the science that revolves around the element carbon, studying the structure, properties, reactions, and synthesis of its compounds.

Carbon's "Superpowers"

Carbon's uniqueness stems mainly from its atomic structure:

  1. Tetravalence: A carbon atom has 4 electrons in its outer shell, meaning it can form 4 stable covalent bonds, like a "connector" with four ports.
  2. Catenation: Carbon atoms can link together to form long, stable carbon chains, as well as ring structures. This is a feat few other elements can achieve.
  3. Diverse Bonding: Carbon atoms can form single, double, and triple bonds, which endows organic molecules with diverse geometric configurations and chemical properties.

The "Lego Bricks" of Organic Molecules: Functional Groups

A Functional Group is an atom or group of atoms within an organic molecule that determines its main chemical properties. They are like Lego bricks of different shapes and functions that, when combined with a carbon skeleton, build the vast and complex world of organic molecules.

Some common functional groups:

  • Hydroxyl (-OH): Determines the properties of alcohols (e.g., ethanol).
  • Carboxyl (-COOH): Determines the properties of carboxylic acids (e.g., acetic acid).
  • Amino (-NH2): Determines the properties of amines and is a basic unit of proteins.
  • Carbonyl (C=O): Found in aldehydes and ketones, it's an important part of sugar molecules.
  • Popular Science:
    • (Book) Organic Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction by Graham Patrick.
    • (Book) The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean.
  • Textbooks:
    • (Book) Organic Chemistry by Paula Yurkanis Bruice.
    • (Book) Organic Chemistry by Morrison & Boyd.