Organic chemistry

Structure of the organic methane molecule, the simplest hydrocarbon compound Organic chemistry is a chemistry subdiscipline involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds and organic materials, i.e., matter in its various forms that contain carbon atoms.[1][2] Study of structure includes using spectroscopy and other physical and chemical methods to determine the chemical composition and constitution of organic compounds and materials.[3] Study of properties includes both physical properties and chemical properties, and uses similar methods as well as methods to evaluate chemical reactivity, with the aim to understand the behavior of the organic matter in its pure form (when possible), but also in solutions, mixtures, and fabricated forms. The study of organic reactions includes both their preparation—by synthesis or by other means—as well as their subsequent reactivities, both in the laboratory and via theoretical (in silico) study.

The Basics of Organic Chemistry When you explore biology, you’ll find that many processes are constantly occurring in living organisms. The study of organic chemistry — which focuses on carbon molecules — is central to all living organisms. The ability to convert ingested fuel to usable energy is what differentiates a living organism from a dead one. What is organic chemistry? In organic chemistry, the focus is on the element carbon. One atom of carbon can combine with up to four other atoms. Carbon is key In their outer shells, carbon atoms have four electrons that can bond with other atoms. Long carbon chains = low reactivity Large molecules form when carbon atoms are joined together in a straight line or in rings. One key to knowing that a compound is less reactive is that its melting and boiling points are high. On the other hand, a compound made of an extremely long carbon chain has a boiling point of 174°C (compared to water, which has a boiling point of 100°C). Forming functional groups based on properties anemia

Fat Examples of edible animal fats are lard, fish oil, butter/ghee and whale blubber. They are obtained from fats in the milk and meat, as well as from under the skin, of an animal. Examples of edible plant fats include peanut, soya bean, sunflower, sesame, coconut and olive oils, and cocoa butter. These examples of fats can be categorized into saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Chemical structure Example of a natural triglyceride with three different fatty acids. There are many different kinds of fats, but each is a variation on the same chemical structure. The properties of any specific fat molecule depend on the particular fatty acids that constitute it. Saturated and unsaturated fats A fat's constituent fatty acids may also differ in the C/H ratio. Saturated and unsaturated fats differ in their energy content and melting point. Trans fats Importance for living organisms Fat also serves as a useful buffer towards a host of diseases. Adipose tissue See also References

Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Fats and Trans Fat It has long been recognized that saturated fats tend to increase the blood level of the "bad" LDL cholesterol. Monounsaturated (one double bond) and polyunsaturated fats (two or more double bonds) found primarily in vegetable oils tend to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol. An elevated LDL-C increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Introduction Back in the 1950s, it was recognized that vegetable oils could be substituted for animal fats such as in butter, by making a product we know as margarine. But how do you make an oil into a solid? Hydrogenation Reaction Unsaturated fatty acids may be converted to saturated fatty acids by the relatively simple hydrogenation reaction. alkene plus hydrogen yields an alkane Margarine Vegetable oils are commonly referred to as "polyunsaturated". Figure 1: Hydrogenation of a oleic fatty acid Trans Fat Trans fat has both the benefits and drawbacks of a saturated fat. Problems Contributors

MARGARINE FROM OIL British Instructional Films presentation. A lorry pulling a tubular tank pulls into a depot. Written on the side of the tank is: "Towers Creameries - Mitcham." Interior of the depot - large metal containers. The oils are weighed. more A lorry pulling a tubular tank pulls into a depot. We see the mixture being stirred. Produced with the Co-operation of the National Committee for Visual Aids in Education. less