Download Organic Families: Summary Chart

Organic Families: Summary Chart
Organic Family
Hydrocarbons
o Alkanes (single-bond)
o Alkenes (double-bond)
o Alkynes (triple-bond)
Alcohols
Structural Formula(s)
Properties
The more C atoms present, the
harder it is to break the bonds.
The more C atoms, the higher
the boiling point.
Alkenes and alkynes are more
reactive than alkanes due to
their double/triple bonds
(unsaturated).
Presence of OH group makes
alcohol more polar than
hydrocarbons. Therefore,
boiling point is considerably
higher than boiling points of
comparable alkanes.
Commercial Uses
Crude oil extracted from
petroleum:
- gasoline & fuel
- kerosene
- plastics
- waxes (eg. candles)
- asphalt for roads
- liquors (ethanol)
- rubbing alcohol
- car antifreeze
The longer the molecule, the
higher the boiling point.
Ethers
Combust with O2 to form CO2
and H2O.
Presence of O atom makes
them more polar than
hydrocarbons, but ethers are
less polar than alcohols.
Boiling points are higher than
hydrocarbons but less than
alcohols.
- anaesthetic
- insectides and fumigants
Organic Family
Structural Formula(s)
Properties
Lower boiling points than
alcohols of similar sizes, due to
presence of O atom.
Aldehydes
Commercial Uses
Smaller aldehydes:
- antiseptics
- disinfectants
- preservatives
Larger aldehydes:
- essential oils
Lower boiling points than
alcohols of similar sizes, due to
presence of O atom.
- nail polish remover (acetone)
- pheromones
Ketones
Carboxylic Acids
Esters
Turn blue litmus paper into red; - acetic acid (vinegar)
react with bases
- citric acid (sour taste in fruits)
- ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Presence of O atom and OH
- acetylsalicylic acid (ASA,
molecular makes them polar.
aspirin)
- oxalic acid (rust removers and
The more COOH groups, the
brass cleaners)
higher the melting point.
Lower melting and boiling
- natural and synthetic odours
points than carboxylic acids.
- perfumes
- artificial and natural food
flavourings
- cosmetics