Organic Compounds refer to a chemical containing carbon. But there are simple oxides of carbon like – carbonates and carbides, which contain carbon and fall into the category of inorganic compounds.

Homologous series refers to the family of carbon compounds, which involves – 

• Having the same general formulae 
• Shows a difference of 14 u in their molecular mass 
• Shows physical properties gradation 
• Shows similar traits in chemical properties 
• It falls into the category of the same functional group. 
• Distinct from the previous member by –CH₂ classification

Hydrocarbons contain both hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons are majorly divided into two categories – 

• Open Chain Hydrocarbons – The hydrocarbons which contain carbon-carbon straight links. Open chain hydrocarbons can be divided into – saturated hydrocarbons or unsaturated hydrocarbons.
• Closed Chain Hydrocarbons – The compounds of carbon that contain a closed ring are called closed chain hydrocarbons.

Alkanes belong to the family of organic compounds that contain single-bonded hydrogen and carbon atoms. The simplest formula of alkanes is CnH₂n+2. 

Alkanes can further be subdivided into three groups – 

• Chain Alkanes 
• Cycloalkanes 
• Branched Alkanes

Alkenes are a form of hydrocarbons that contains a minimum of carbon to carbon bond. Alkenes are often called olefins. Alkenes are highly reactive as alkanes, and this is because of the presence of double bonds in them. 

Alkenes have a wide variety of applications – 

• Production of polythene like plastics is further used in making buckets, bowls, bags. 
• Manufacture of anti-knock part for car engines 
• Manufacture of acrylic fibres 
• Manufacture of propanol that is further used in making acetone 
• Production of ethanol and synthetic fibre – terylene

Alkynes fall into the category of unsaturated hydrocarbon. The alkynes contain a minimum of one triple bond between the carbon atoms. There are majorly two types of alkynes – Terminal alkynes and Internal alkynes. One of the unique factors in the structure of alkyne is its hybridisation. The physical properties of alkynes are very similar to alkenes. The general molecular formula of an alkyne is CnH₂n-2.

What is alcohol? 

Alcohol falls into the category of organic compounds that contains a hydroxyl group. We can divide Alcohol molecules into two major parts – the alkyl group and the hydroxyl group. Alcohols have a sweet odour, but their physical and chemical properties are distinct.

We can majorly classify alcohol as –

• Primary Alcohol – Those alcohols where the hydroxyl group’s carbon atom is attached to only one hydroxyl group. Some of the examples of primary alcohol are – methanol and ethanol. 
• Secondary Alcohol – Here, the hydroxyl group’s carbon atom is attached to two alkyl groups on either side. Some of the secondary alcohol examples are – Propan 2 Ol, Butan 2 Ol, Pen 3 Ol.
• Tertiary Alcohol – These alcohol groups feature hydroxyl group-containing carbon atoms connected to 3 alkyl groups. Some of the major examples of tertiary alcohol are – 2 methyl propane 2 Ol and 2 methyl butane 2 Ol.

Isomerism refers to multiple compounds that have the same chemical formula but different chemical structures. Some chemical compounds have the same chemical formula but different chemical properties and the arrangement of atoms. Such chemical compounds are called isomers.

There are two major types of isomers – structural isomerism and stereoisomerism. 

Structural Isomerism – This is also referred to as constitutional isomerism. In this isomer, the functional group, as well as atoms, are arranged differently. Structural isomerism can further be divided into:
a. chain isomerism 

1. Functional isomerism 
2. Ring chain isomerism 
3. Position isomerism. 

Stereoisomerism – This isomerism has the same chemical formula but different atoms orientation molecules seen in three-dimensional spaces. They also have two major classes – geometric isomerism, optical isomerism.

Organic Chemistry is an exciting chapter. This chapter talks about the molecules and it’s structures, compositions, organic compounds and much more. This chapter also talks about the hydrogen and carbon compounds and the presence of the same. Organic chemistry is the backbone of advanced chemistry, and thus it’s essential to understand this chapter in brief.

1. Name the first four alkanes?
   The first four alkanes are – Methane (CH₄), ethane (C₂H₆), propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀).
2. Can you use alkenes as fuel?
   Alkenes burn readily in the air and release carbon dioxide and water. Alkenes are used in other essential things like the manufacture of polythene and many other such uses.
3. What are the major uses of alcohol?
   Major uses of alcohol are stated as follows –Alcohols are majorly consumed as beverages worldwide, especially when they contain 30-40% of ethanol by volume. 
   • Alcohol is also used as an anti-freezing agent. 
   • Alcohol can also be used as an antiseptic agent. 
   • Alcohol is used in several areas as a preservative. 
   • Alcohol can also be used as fuel. 

    

4. Give an example of – (a) Saturated hydrocarbon (b) Unsaturated hydrocarbon
   i. Saturated hydrocarbon – Hexane
   ii. Unsaturated Hydrocarbon – Hexene 
5. What are the major sources of organic compounds?
   Following are some of the major sources of organic compounds –
   • Plants 
   • Animals 
   • Coal 
   • Wood 
   • petroleum 

    

6. Name some of the unique properties of carbon?
   i. Isomerism
   ii. Catenation
   iii. Tetravalency of carbon