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24 Nov 2025

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Understanding Organic Basics in Chemistry

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Gracey @gracey_irtg

Organic chemistry might seem overwhelming, but it's actually just about understanding how carbon and hydrogen atoms connect to... Show more

# Chapter 11: basics

Hydrocarbons compound containing carbon and nydrogen only

2 methyl hexane

2. 4,6 trimethyr
nonane

saturated: nas on

Organic Chemistry Basics

Hydrocarbons are the simplest organic compounds - they contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Think of them as the building blocks for more complex molecules you'll encounter later.

The key difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons is all about bonds. Saturated compounds like methane have only single bonds between carbon atoms, whilst unsaturated ones like but-2-ene contain double or triple bonds that make them more reactive.

Homologous series are families of compounds that follow the same pattern - each member differs from the next by just a CH₂ group. This means they have similar chemical properties, making them predictable to work with. The functional group is the part of any organic molecule that determines most of its chemical behaviour.

Hydrocarbons fall into three main categories aliphatic (straight or branched chains), alicyclic (ring structures), and aromatic (special ring systems like benzene with delocalised electrons).

Quick Tip Learning the general formulae for each homologous series will save you loads of time in exams - they're like shortcuts for working out molecular compositions!

General formulae are your best friends for identifying compound types quickly. Alkanes follow CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, alkenes are CₙH₂ₙ, and alcohols are CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH. Master these patterns and you'll breeze through identification questions.

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Chemistry

131

24 Nov 2025

1 page

Understanding Organic Basics in Chemistry

user profile picture

Gracey

@gracey_irtg

Organic chemistry might seem overwhelming, but it's actually just about understanding how carbon and hydrogen atoms connect to form different molecules. Once you grasp the basic patterns and families of compounds, you'll find it much easier to predict how these... Show more

# Chapter 11: basics

Hydrocarbons compound containing carbon and nydrogen only

2 methyl hexane

2. 4,6 trimethyr
nonane

saturated: nas on

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Organic Chemistry Basics

Hydrocarbons are the simplest organic compounds - they contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Think of them as the building blocks for more complex molecules you'll encounter later.

The key difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons is all about bonds. Saturated compounds like methane have only single bonds between carbon atoms, whilst unsaturated ones like but-2-ene contain double or triple bonds that make them more reactive.

Homologous series are families of compounds that follow the same pattern - each member differs from the next by just a CH₂ group. This means they have similar chemical properties, making them predictable to work with. The functional group is the part of any organic molecule that determines most of its chemical behaviour.

Hydrocarbons fall into three main categories: aliphatic (straight or branched chains), alicyclic (ring structures), and aromatic (special ring systems like benzene with delocalised electrons).

Quick Tip: Learning the general formulae for each homologous series will save you loads of time in exams - they're like shortcuts for working out molecular compositions!

General formulae are your best friends for identifying compound types quickly. Alkanes follow CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, alkenes are CₙH₂ₙ, and alcohols are CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH. Master these patterns and you'll breeze through identification questions.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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3

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Explore the chemistry of amino acids, amides, and chirality in this detailed summary. Understand the formation of esters, the concept of optical isomers, and the role of amino acids in acid-base reactions. This resource covers key concepts such as isomerism, making salts, and the unique properties of chiral molecules, making it essential for organic chemistry studies.

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Isomerism in Organic Chemistry

Explore the fundamentals of isomerism in organic chemistry, including structural isomers, position isomers, and functional group isomers. Understand the impact of molecular structure on physical properties, and learn the rules for naming carbon chains using IUPAC nomenclature. This summary covers key concepts such as stereochemistry, intermolecular forces, and the characteristics of alkanes, alkenes, and carboxylic acids.

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Explore the structural characteristics and bonding of benzene, including the comparison between the Kekulé and delocalized models. This summary covers key concepts such as resonance, sigma bonds, and the implications of enthalpy changes in hydrogenation. Ideal for OCR A-Level Chemistry students seeking to understand the stability and reactivity of benzene and its derivatives.

ChemistryChemistry
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ChemistryChemistry
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Explore the key concepts of hydrocarbons in National 5 Chemistry, including alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, and isomerism. This summary covers the structural differences, properties, and general formulas of these compounds, providing a clear understanding of their roles in organic chemistry.

ChemistryChemistry
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user