Classification of organic substances - the basis for studying organic chemistry

In the transition from inorganic to organic chemistry, we can see how the classification of organic and inorganic substances differs. The world of organic compounds has a variety and a multiplicity of their variants. Classification of organic substances not only helps to understand this abundance, but also brings a clear scientific basis for their study.

The theory of chemical structure was chosen as the basis for the distribution of organic compounds by classes. The basis of studying organic is working with the most numerous class, which is commonly called the main for organic substances - hydrocarbons. Other representatives of the world of organic matter are considered as their derivatives. Indeed, when studying their structure, it is not difficult to see that the synthesis of these substances occurs by replacing (replacing) one or, sometimes, several hydrogen links with atoms of other chemical elements in the hydrocarbon structure, and sometimes with whole radical branches.

Classification of organic substances based on hydrocarbons also because of the simplicity of their composition, and the hydrocarbon component is the most significant part of most known organic compounds. To date, of all the known chemicals related to the world of organic compounds, compounds based on the carbon-hydrogen bond have a significant predominance. All other substances are either in the minority, allowing them to be classified as exceptions to the general rule, or so unstable that it is difficult to obtain them even in our time.

Classification of organic substances by dividing into separate groups and classes makes it possible to distinguish two large organic classes of acyclic and cyclic compounds. Their very name allows us to draw a conclusion about the type of molecule construction. In the first case, it is a chain of hydrocarbon links, and in the second case, the molecule is a ring.

Acyclic compounds can have branching, and can form a simple chain. Among the names of these substances can be found the expression "fatty or aliphatic hydrocarbons." They can be limiting (ethane, isobutane, ethyl alcohol) or unsaturated (ethylene, acetylene, isoprene), depending on the type of bond of some of the carbon units.

Classification of organic substances related to cyclic compounds implies their further division into a carbocyclic group and a group of heterocyclic hydrocarbons.

Carbocyclic "rings" are composed only of carbon atoms. They can be alicyclic (saturated and unsaturated), and they can also be aromatic carbocyclic compounds. In alicyclic compounds, the two ends of the carbon chain simply join, while aromatic compounds in their structure have a so-called benzene ring, which has a significant effect on their properties.

In heterocyclic substances, one can find atoms of other substances, most often this function is performed by nitrogen.

The next constituent element affecting the properties of organic substances is the presence of a functional group.

For halogenated hydrocarbons, one or even several halogen atoms can act as a functional group. Alcohols get their properties thanks to the presence of hydroxo groups. For aldehydes, a characteristic feature is the presence of aldehyde groups, for ketones - carbonyl groups. Carboxylic acids differ in that their composition includes carboxyl groups, and amines possess an amino group. Nitro compounds are characterized by the presence of a nitro group.

The variety of hydrocarbon species, as well as their properties, is based on the most diverse type of combination. For example, the composition of one molecule can include two or more identical, and sometimes different functional groups, determining the specific properties of this substance (aminoacetic acid, glycerin).

The table, which can be easily compiled on the basis of the information set forth in the text of this article, will give greater visibility for the consideration of the issue (classification of organic substances).