Chapter 15: The Atomic Properties of Carbon

Students are introduced to hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds, with discussion of how bond types and hybridization influence physical and chemical properties. Isomerism is explored, beginning with constitutional isomers, then moving into stereochemistry, including geometric (cis/trans) isomers and chiral molecules with optical activity. The chapter then introduces functional groups, the chemically reactive portions of organic molecules, and categorizes them into families such as alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides. Students learn how the presence of these groups determines reactivity and intermolecular interactions. Organic reactions are classified into addition, substitution, elimination, and redox processes, with examples from biological and industrial contexts. The chapter also introduces the concept of polymers, covering both synthetic macromolecules such as plastics and fibers, and biological macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. The discussion of monomer-polymer relationships highlights how repeating units build complex molecular structures with unique properties. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the biological importance of carbon-based molecules, showing how DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates embody the structural and functional potential of carbon chemistry. By the end of the chapter, students understand why carbon is the backbone of organic chemistry and how its atomic properties enable the complexity of life and modern materials science.