25.1. Hydrocarbons http://www.ck12.org
25.1 Hydrocarbons
Lesson Objectives
- Describe the bonding characteristics of carbon that lead to such a large number of organic compounds.
- Differentiate between aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Describe, name, and draw structures for straight-chain and branched alkanes.
- Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.
- Describe alkenes and alkynes.
- Describe the characteristics of structural isomers, geometric isomers, and optical isomers.
Vocabulary
- aliphatic hydrocarbon
- alkane
- alkene
- alkyl group
- alkyne
- aromatic hydrocarbon
- geometric isomer
- hydrocarbon
- optical isomer
- organic compound
- saturated hydrocarbon
- structural isomer
- unsaturated hydrocarbon
Check Your Understanding
Recalling Prior Knowledge
- How many valence electrons does a carbon atom have?
- How does VSEPR theory predict the shapes of molecules?
Gasoline and other fuels, plastics, and synthetic fabrics are just a few examples of everyday products made from
substances that are derived from petroleum. In this lesson, you will be introduced to organic chemistry and some of
the many compounds that contain carbon.