Organic Families: Summary Chart
Organic Family / Structural Formula(s) / Properties / Commercial UsesHydrocarbons
o Alkanes (single-bond)
o Alkenes (double-bond)
o Alkynes (triple-bond) / The more C atoms present, the harder it is to break the bonds.
The more C atoms, the higher the boiling point.
Alkenes and alkynes are more reactive than alkanes due to their double/triple bonds (unsaturated). / Crude oil extracted from petroleum:
- gasoline & fuel
- kerosene
- plastics
- waxes (eg. candles)
- asphalt for roads
Alcohols / Presence of OH group makes alcohol more polar than hydrocarbons. Therefore, boiling point is considerably higher than boiling points of comparable alkanes.
The longer the molecule, the higher the boiling point.
Combust with O2 to form CO2 and H2O. / - liquors (ethanol)
- rubbing alcohol
- car antifreeze
Ethers / Presence of O atom makes them more polar than hydrocarbons, but ethers are less polar than alcohols.
Boiling points are higher than hydrocarbons but less than alcohols. / - anaesthetic
- insectides and fumigants
Organic Family / Structural Formula(s) / Properties / Commercial Uses
Aldehydes / Lower boiling points than alcohols of similar sizes, due to presence of O atom. / Smaller aldehydes:
- antiseptics
- disinfectants
- preservatives
Larger aldehydes:
- essential oils
Ketones / Lower boiling points than alcohols of similar sizes, due to presence of O atom. / - nail polish remover (acetone)
- pheromones
Carboxylic Acids / Turn blue litmus paper into red; react with bases
Presence of O atom and OH molecular makes them polar.
The more COOH groups, the higher the melting point. / - acetic acid (vinegar)
- citric acid (sour taste in fruits)
- ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin)
- oxalic acid (rust removers and brass cleaners)
Esters / Lower melting and boiling points than carboxylic acids. / - natural and synthetic odours
- perfumes
- artificial and natural food flavourings
- cosmetics