Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

2. Molecular Representations

Functional Groups

Organic Chemistry

2. Molecular Representations

Functional Groups

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Multiple Choice

Which characteristic of carbon makes it essential to the formation of diverse organic molecules in living organisms?

Carbon is a metal and conducts electricity.

Carbon is highly electronegative.

Carbon is inert and does not react easily.

Carbon can form four covalent bonds.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic properties of carbon: Carbon is a non-metal element with an atomic number of 6, which means it has 6 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p², indicating that it has four electrons in its outer shell available for bonding.

Recognize the significance of carbon's ability to form covalent bonds: Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms because it has four valence electrons. This allows it to achieve a stable electron configuration by sharing electrons with other atoms.

Explore the versatility of carbon in forming diverse structures: Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds enables it to create a wide variety of complex structures, including chains, rings, and branches. This versatility is crucial for the formation of diverse organic molecules.

Consider the implications for organic chemistry: The ability to form multiple bonds allows carbon to be the backbone of organic molecules, which are essential for life. This includes carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, all of which rely on carbon's bonding capabilities.

Reflect on why other options are incorrect: Carbon is not a metal and does not conduct electricity in its elemental form. It is not highly electronegative; rather, it has a moderate electronegativity, allowing it to share electrons effectively. Carbon is not inert; it readily forms bonds with other elements, making it highly reactive in organic chemistry.