Organic Chemistry (ATC)
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1Describe electronegativity – structure and bonding
16% of exam
Organic chemistry studies carbon-based molecules.
- Carbon forms four bonds, enabling complex structures.
- Electronegativity creates polar and nonpolar bonds.
- Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³) determines shape.
- Bonding controls molecular properties.
2Describe chemical bonds, shapes and naming of compounds
16% of exam
Structure and naming describe organic molecules.
- Molecules have predictable 3D shapes.
- IUPAC nomenclature names compounds systematically.
- Structural formulas show connectivity.
- Isomers share a formula but differ in structure.
3Describe stereochemistry
4% of exam
Stereochemistry studies 3D arrangement of atoms.
- Isomers have the same formula but different structure or arrangement.
- Chirality produces non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers).
- Stereochemistry affects drug activity.
- Cis/trans isomerism changes properties.
4Describe substitution and elimination reactions
6% of exam
Two key reaction types transform organic molecules.
- Substitution replaces one group with another (SN1, SN2).
- Elimination removes atoms to form a double bond (E1, E2).
- Reaction path depends on the substrate and conditions.
- These reactions build and modify molecules.
5Identify aromatic compounds and IUPAC names
12% of exam
Aromatic compounds contain stable ring structures.
- Benzene is the classic aromatic ring.
- Aromatic rings are unusually stable (resonance).
- IUPAC rules name substituted rings.
- Aromatics are common in drugs and biology.
6Differentiate and describe alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cycloalkanes, alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides, aldehydes, ketones, and functional groups
26% of exam
Functional groups define organic families.
- Alkanes (single), alkenes (double), alkynes (triple bonds).
- Alcohols (-OH), ethers, aldehydes, and ketones have oxygen groups.
- Each functional group gives characteristic reactivity.
- Recognizing groups predicts behavior.
7Identify carboxylic acids and derivatives
8% of exam
Carboxylic acids and their relatives are common in biology.
- Carboxylic acids contain the -COOH group.
- Derivatives include esters, amides, and anhydrides.
- Esters give many fruits their smell.
- These groups are key in fats, proteins, and drugs.
8Understanding how to name amines
8% of exam
Amines are nitrogen-containing organic compounds.
- Amines contain nitrogen bonded to carbon.
- Classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary.
- They act as weak bases.
- Amines are found in amino acids and many drugs.
9Describe spectroscopy
4% of exam
Spectroscopy identifies molecular structure.
- IR spectroscopy identifies functional groups.
- NMR reveals the carbon-hydrogen framework.
- Mass spectrometry measures molecular weight.
- These tools confirm structure and purity.