Reactions
Organic chemistry focuses on the study of carbon-based compounds and the chemical reactions that transform them. These reactions involve the making and breaking of covalent bonds between carbon and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Common types of organic reactions include substitution, where one atom replaces another; addition, where atoms are added to molecules with double or triple bonds; elimination, where elements are removed to form multiple bonds; and oxidation-reduction, where the electron density around carbon changes. Catalysts, temperature, and solvents all influence the reaction pathways and product formation, making organic reactions central to the synthesis of medicines, polymers, and countless industrial materials.
| Reaction Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | Two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, common with alkenes and alkynes. | Hydrogenation of ethene to ethane |
| Elimination | Atoms are removed from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a double or triple bond. | Dehydration of alcohol to form an alkene |
| Substitution | One atom or group in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group. | Chlorination of methane |
| Rearrangement | The structure of a molecule is rearranged to form an isomer. | Conversion of glucose to fructose |