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Common organic compounds

Jun 23, 2024

Common organic compounds

Solution

Identify common organic compounds: Organic compounds are primarily made of carbon atoms bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. Some common examples include:

- Methane ($CH_4$): The simplest alkane, used as a fuel. - Ethanol ($C_2H_5OH$): Found in alcoholic beverages and used as a solvent. - Acetic Acid ($CH_3COOH$): The main component of vinegar. - Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$): A simple sugar essential for energy in living organisms.

Classify the compounds: These compounds can be classified into different categories based on their functional groups:

- Alkanes: Methane is an example of an alkane, which are saturated hydrocarbons. - Alcohols: Ethanol is an alcohol, characterized by the

-OH

group. - Carboxylic Acids: Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid, containing the

-COOH

group. - Carbohydrates: Glucose is a carbohydrate, a type of sugar.

Understand their uses: Each of these compounds has specific uses in daily life and industry:

- Methane: Used as a fuel for heating and electricity generation. - Ethanol: Used in beverages, as a disinfectant, and as a biofuel. - Acetic Acid: Used in food preservation and as a chemical reagent. - Glucose: Essential for cellular respiration and energy production in living organisms.

Answer

Common organic compounds include methane, ethanol, acetic acid, and glucose.

Key Concept

Organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon atoms bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements.

Explanation

These compounds are classified based on their functional groups and have various applications in daily life and industry.