LESSON 3
ELEMENTS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
3-1.
INTRODUCTION
Carbon is one of the most abundant elements in our world. It is part of the
molecular structure of all living organisms. It is the basis for our fuel and energy
production and it plays a large role in the chemistry of many of the synthetic fabrics and
plastics that have become so important to our lifestyle. Carbon compounds also
account for a vast majority of today's drugs. It is very important that you, as a health
care provider, have a basic understanding of the chemistry of carbon compounds and
organic chemistry due to the roles that carbon plays.
3-2.
CONTRAST WITH INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
There are several general differences between the chemistries of carbon
compounds and inorganic compounds, which will help give you an overall view of
organic chemistry (Table 3-1).
NORGANIC
ORGANIC
CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY
Ionic
Covalent
MOLECULAR SIZE
Small
Large
WATER SOLUBILITY
Soluble
Insoluble
SOLUBILITY IN
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
Insoluble
Soluble
CLASSES OF COMPOUNDS
Acid, base, or salt
Many (functional
groups)
STRUCTURAL FORMULAS
Unimportant
Very important
Table 3-1. Comparison of organic and inorganic chemistry.
3-2
MD0803