Brief Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Motivation

Organic chemistry is a very large and important branch of chemistry that doesn’t get much focus in a general high school chemistry course. Therefore, we are going to take a class period to get some exposure to this very important branch of chemistry. To do so, you will research some information online, draw Lewis structures, create models, investigate a mysterious substance called “oobleck,” and learn the proper safety procedure for grease fires. Do your best to work through the activity, answer the questions, and complete the summary for 10 extra credit points. Hand your work in at the end of the period.I will be around to help and explain as needed. Good luck!

Activity

  1. Read the module on organic chemistry found at http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=60&mcid=&l=
  2. What are organic molecules?
  3. What are hydrocarbons?
  4. Why are there so many hydrocarbons?
  5. What happens to a hydrocarbon when it reacts with oxygen?
  6. What is an isomer? Give an example.
  7. Name one functional group of hydrocarbons.
  8. Define alkane.
  9. Draw Lewis structures for the first 8 alkanes: methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, and octane.
  10. What pattern do you see? Can you determine a general chemical equation to describe these molecules? For instance, C_H_, fill in the blanks.
  11. Define alkene.
  12. Draw Lewis structures for first 4 alkenes: ethene (C2H4), propene (C3H6), butene (C4H8), and pentene (C5H10).
  13. Remember, there needs to be at least one double bond.
  14. What pattern do you see? Can you determine a general chemical equation to describe these molecules? For instance, C_H_, fill in the blanks.
  15. Define alkyne.
  16. Draw Lewis structures for first 4 alkynes: ethyne (C2H2), propyne (C3H4), butyne (C4H6), and pentyne (C5H8).
  17. Remember, there needs to be at least one triple bond.
  18. What pattern do you see? Can you determine a general chemical equation to describe these molecules? For instance, C_H_, fill in the blanks.
  19. Go to http://preparatorychemistry.com/Bishop_Jmol_alkanes.htm to view the first 4 alkanes. Use your mouse to manipulate the structure.
  20. Extra: Check out some of the other structures that carbon forms at http://preparatorychemistry.com/Bishop_Jmol_Carbon.htm
  21. Extra: Check out metal structures at http://preparatorychemistry.com/Bishop_Jmol_metals.htm
  22. Research the boiling points of alkanes to determine what state of matter they are at room temperature. In other words, are they solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature? Research until you find an alkane for each different state of matter.
  23. Do you see a pattern with the states of matter/boiling point and the length of the carbon chain? If so, describe this pattern.
  24. Can you predict what happens to the boiling points of alkenes and alkynes as the carbon chain gets longer?
  25. Why do you think this pattern with the length of the carbon chain exists?
  26. Investigate combustion
  27. View this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZGzbd0IvUE
  28. Grease or vegetable oil is an organic substance which reacts with oxygen, a.k.a. combustion or burning. Why do you think this reaction is intensified to violent proportions when water is thrown on it?