Organic Chemistry

Hey guys!!
So for those of you who checked out my post about geometric constructions, I understand your confusion. You're probably thinking "Um what? Why is she posting about geometry? Ew, school." I agree with you on the whole 'ew, school' thing... so that's why I've decided to post some study guides for various subjects as well as book reviews from now on to help you guys out a bit (if you're in high school that is... if you've graduated please get off your lazy keaster and get a job instead of stalking my blog!). Feel free to ask questions or anything in the comment box. Here's a study guide I typed out for the basics of organic chemistry:  

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry deals with molecules that contain carbon.

Carbon has 4 valence electrons and needs 4 more, for a total of 8, to be happy.

Four bonds have a tetrahedral arrangement.

Carbon can form chains, rings, and networks.

Properties of Organic Compounds—

vNonelectrolytes (cannot dissolve in water)

vLow melting/boiling points and high vapor pressure (volatile)

vTypically nonpolar and symmetrical.

v**Like dissolves Like**

vSlower reaction rate than inorganic compounds.

Single bond has 2 electrons

Double bond has 4 electrons

Triple bond has 6 electrons

3 types of formulas: molecular, structural, and condensed.

Molecular ex. C3H8

Structural is drawn out with lines as bonds

Condensed ex. CH3CH2H3

Isomers have the same molecular formulas but different structural formulas.

Hydrocarbons only contain hydrogen and carbon.

Saturated = single bonds.

Unsaturated= double or triple bonds.

ALKANES

Contain only single bonds and are saturated.

CnH2n+2

ALKENES

Contains one double bond and is unsaturated.

CnH2n

ALKYNES

Contains one triple bond and is unsaturated.

CnH2n-2

A VERY helpful video that explains how to name hydrocarbons: