Organic Chemistry

Course Description

Organic chemistry is the study of the chemistry of organisms and their remains, including fossil organic compounds like crude oil and coal, as well as chemical compounds we can create from these fossil fuels. Building on the five organic compounds explored in 8th grade chemistry, the formation of these substances that form the living body and fossil fuels is covered.

Moving from photosynthesis and respiration of the plant and human body to the manufacturing of petroleum-based products, we observe how the plant and human world are intricately entwined through the building up and breaking down of the natural world. We demonstrate the connections of processes in organs and organisms, as well as the interconnectedness of organisms within the whole of living nature through anabolic and catabolic processes.

We look at alcohols, esters, chemical differentiation of sugars and starches, and the creation of synthetic materials. We connect the varieties and transformations of carbohydrates in the living world through an exploration of industrial processes like distillation and fractionation. Concepts and details of organic acids and bases in our body and in other organisms are introduced in formulas as a way of getting comfortable with the language of chemistry.

We also have a look at the solubility of different salts and the combinations of them that can form precipitation reactions. Through combining organic acids and bases in the last days, we explore the many salts they produce and their practical uses in the world.

Topics covered:

• Organic compounds in plants and animals
• Photosynthesis and respiration
• Carbon cycle
• Carbohydrate formation and commercial uses
• Alcohols and fermentation processes
• Esters and ether
• Textiles; Plastics; Rubber
• Hydrocarbons