Polymerization—In polymerization, two smaller compounds,
called monomers, are joined to form a larger third compound. In
condensation polymerization, two monomers are joined in a
reaction that produces water.
Cracking—In cracking, a larger compound is broken down into
smaller compounds.
Oxidation—An organic compound can react with oxygen at high
temperatures to form carbon dioxide and water. This reaction
should be familiar to you as combustion or burning.CH 4 + 2O 2 → CO 2 + 2H 2 OCombustion
Combustion is a particular
type of oxidation-
reduction reaction in
which a hydrocarbon is
oxidized in the presence
of oxygen. This always
results in the production of
CO 2 and H 2 O.Esterification—In esterification, an organic acid reacts with an
alcohol to produce an ester and water.The Four Major Groups of Biomolecules
Four important types of organic molecules that you’ll hear a lot about if you go
into the fields of biochemistry (for instance, if you’re planning on being pre-med