Organic molecules

Table of Contents

1. Organic molecules
2. Hydrocarbons
   1. Names and structures of hydrocarbons
3. Reactions of hydrocarbons
   1. Substitution reactions
   2. Addition reactions
4. Functional groups
   1. Identifying functional groups
5. Alcohols
   1. Structure of alcohols
   2. Physical properties of alcohols
6. Reactions of alcohols
   1. Oxidation reactions
   2. Carboxylic acids
   3. Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters
   4. Identification of alcohols
7. Nitrogen in organic molecules
   1. Amines
   2. Amino acids
8. Determination of formulae and structures
   1. Empirical formulae
   2. Molecular mass and formula

1. Additional resources:
   1. Glossary
   2. Print content

Reactions of hydrocarbons

Carbon is the most versatile atom from the periodic table in terms of its ability to bond with itself and other atoms. This not only means that there is a huge range of molecules that contain carbon, but that these molecules can undergo a whole range of reactions. Some of these reaction types, such as combustion and oxidation reactions are also seen in other areas of chemistry, but some, such as addition and substitution reactions are unique to the area of organic chemistry and these will be covered here.

Again you will have encountered these ideas in Stage 2 Chemistry, but work through the examples and complete the questions as you progress. This will help you when it comes to looking at more reaction types later in the topic.