General Classes of Organic Compounds

1. Alkanes

o Structure: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds (C-C).

o Example: Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆).

o Uses: Fuels (natural gas, propane), lubricants, and solvents.

2. Alkenes

o Structure: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond (C=C).

o Example: Ethylene (C₂H₄), Propylene (C₃H₆).

o Uses: Production of plastics (polyethylene), in the manufacture of alcohols and other

chemicals.

3. Alkynes

o Structure: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one triple bond (C≡C).

o Example: Acetylene (C₂H₂).

o Uses: Welding and cutting (acetylene torch), production of other organic compounds.

4. Alcohols

o Structure: Organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl (–OH) groups.

o Example: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH), Methanol (CH₃OH).

o Uses: Solvents, fuels, antifreeze, and as disinfectants.

5. Ethers

o Structure: Compounds with an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups (R-O-R').

o Example: Diethyl ether.

o Uses: Solvents, anesthetics, and in the synthesis of other compounds.

6. Aldehydes

o Structure: Organic compounds containing a carbonyl group (C=O) with at least one
hydrogen atom attached to the carbon.

o Example: Formaldehyde (HCHO).

o Uses: Preservatives, disinfectants, and in the manufacture of resins.

7. Ketones

o Structure: Organic compounds with a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon
atoms.

o Example: Acetone (C₃H₆O).

o Uses: Solvents, in nail polish remover, and as intermediates in organic synthesis.

8. Carboxylic Acids

o Structure: Organic compounds containing a carboxyl group (–COOH).

o Example: Acetic acid (CH₃COOH).

 o Uses: Food preservation (vinegar), in the production of food additives, and in chemical
synthesis.

9. Esters

o Structure: Derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols; contain a carbonyl and an ether
group (–COO–).

o Example: Ethyl acetate.

o Uses: Fragrances, flavorings, and solvents.

10. Amines

o Structure: Organic compounds derived from ammonia (NH₃) with one or more alkyl or
aryl groups.

o Example: Ethylamine.

o Uses: In pharmaceuticals, as solvents, and in the synthesis of dyes.

11. Amides

o Structure: Organic compounds with a carbonyl group (C=O) linked to a nitrogen atom
(N).

o Example: Acetamide.

o Uses: In pharmaceuticals, as solvents, and in the production of polymers.

Summary of Uses

 Fuels: Alkanes and alcohols are commonly used as fuels.

 Plastics and Polymers: Alkenes and alkynes are crucial in the production of plastics.

 Solvents: Alcohols, ethers, and ketones serve as solvents in various industries.

 Food Industry: Carboxylic acids (like vinegar) and esters (flavorings) are widely used.

 Pharmaceuticals: Many organic compounds (amines, amides) are key in drug synthesis.

 Chemical Intermediates: Organic compounds serve as starting materials for many chemical
reactions and processes.

Conclusion

Organic compounds play a vital role in everyday life, contributing to various industrial, pharmaceutical,
and agricultural applications. Understanding their classes and uses is essential for fields like chemistry,
biology, and environmental science.

Examples of common organic compounds and their use

Hydrocarbons

1. Alkanes

o Example: Methane (CH₄)

 Use: Fuel for heating and cooking; a major component of natural gas.

o Example: Propane (C₃H₈)

 Use: Used as a fuel for engines and heating.

 o Example: Hexane (C₆H₁₄)

 Use: Solvent in laboratories and in the extraction of oils and fats.

2. Alkenes

o Example: Ethylene (C₂H₄)

 Use: Used in the production of polyethylene (plastic) and as a plant hormone

for ripening fruits.

o Example: Propylene (C₃H₆)

 Use: Used to make polypropylene (plastic) and in the production of antifreeze.

3. Alkynes

o Example: Acetylene (C₂H₂)

 Use: Used as a fuel in welding and cutting metals.

Common Functional Groups

1. Alcohols

o Example: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)

 Use: Commonly used as an alcoholic beverage, antiseptic, and solvent; also

used in fuels (bioethanol).

o Example: Methanol (CH₃OH)

 Use: Used as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel; also in the production of

formaldehyde.

2. Ethers

o Example: Diethyl ether (C₂H₅)₂O

 Use: Historically used as an anesthetic; currently used as a solvent in

laboratories.

3. Aldehydes

o Example: Formaldehyde (HCHO)

 Use: Used as a preservative in biological specimens and in the production of

resins.

o Example: Acetaldehyde (C₂H₄O)

 Use: Used in the manufacture of acetic acid and as a flavoring agent.

4. Ketones

o Example: Acetone (C₃H₆O)

 Use: Common solvent in nail polish remover, used in plastics and

pharmaceuticals.

o Example: Butanone (C₄H₈O)

 Use: Used as a solvent and in the production of various chemicals.

5. Carboxylic Acids

o Example: Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)

  Use: Used in vinegar, food preservation, and as a chemical reagent.

o Example: Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇)

 Use: Used as a food preservative and flavoring agent; also in cleaning

products.

6. Esters

o Example: Ethyl acetate (C₄H₈O₂)

 Use: Used as a solvent in paints and coatings, and in the manufacture of

perfumes.

o Example: Methyl butanoate (C₅H₁₈O₂)

 Use: Used in flavorings and fragrances.

7. Amines

o Example: Ethylamine (C₂H₅NH₂)

 Use: Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

o Example: Aniline (C₆H₅NH₂)

 Use: Used in the manufacture of dyes and as a precursor to rubber chemicals.

8. Amides

o Example: Acetamide (CH₃CONH₂)

 Use: Used in the production of plastics and as a solvent.

o Example: Benzamide (C₆H₅CONH₂)

 Use: Used in organic synthesis and as a plasticizer.

Summary

These examples illustrate the diversity of organic compounds and their wide-ranging applications in
daily life, industry, and science. Understanding these compounds and their functional groups is
essential in fields like chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science.