Carbon's Properties
World C — Carbon Chemistry
R27.01 Tetravalency
- Carbon has 4 valence electrons (Atomic Number 6).
- Forms 4 strong covalent bonds to achieve noble gas octet.
- Enables complex 3D molecular geometries.
R27.02 Catenation
- Unique ability to bond with itself.
- Forms long chains, branched structures, and rings.
- Reason behind millions of organic compounds.
R27.03 Isomerism
- Same molecular formula, different structural arrangements.
- Structural isomers vs stereoisomers.
- Dramatically different physical/chemical properties.
R27.04 Hybridization (sp³, sp², sp)
- Mixing of atomic orbitals ($s$ and $p$).
- $sp^3$ (Tetrahedral, Single bonds).
- $sp^2$ (Trigonal Planar, Double bonds).
- $sp$ (Linear, Triple bonds).
-OH
-COOH
R27.05 Functional Groups
- Specific substituent atoms/groups within molecules.
- Determine characteristic chemical reactions.
- Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic acids.
CH₄
C₂H₆
C₃H₈
R27.06 Homologous Series
- Family of compounds with same functional group.
- Successive members differ by a $-CH_2-$ unit.
- Gradual gradation in physical properties.
Meth-
-an-
-e
R27.07 IUPAC Nomenclature
- Systematic naming rules by IUPAC.
- Root (Chain length) + Suffix (Family) + Prefix (Substituents).
- Ensures unambiguous global identification.
R27.08 Combustion
- Carbon compounds burn in oxygen to release heat & light.
- Produces $CO_2$ and $H_2O$.
- Saturated hydrocarbons burn clean; unsaturated burn with sooty flame.
CH₄
Cl
R27.09 Substitution Reactions
- One atom/group replaces another in a molecule.
- Typical of saturated hydrocarbons (Alkanes).
- E.g., Methane + Chlorine in sunlight.
R27.10 Addition Reactions
- Reagents add across double or triple bonds.
- Typical of unsaturated hydrocarbons (Alkenes/Alkynes).
- Hydrogenation of oils using Ni catalyst.
→
R27.11 Oxidation Reactions
- Addition of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.
- Alcohols oxidized to carboxylic acids using alkaline $KMnO_4$.
- Transforms functional groups systematically.
R27.12 Versatile Nature
- Accounts for millions of known organic compounds.
- Outnumbers all inorganic compounds combined.
- The chemical basis of all known life on Earth.