Back to: Organic Chemistry 100 Level
Welcome to class!
Hello superstar! I’m so glad you’ve joined today’s lesson. You’ve been showing so much focus and commitment, and I’m proud of you. Today’s topic is like understanding the foundation of a house—once you get this right, everything else becomes easier. Let’s walk through it together like good friends sitting under a mango tree, learning and growing.
Structure And Bonding In Organic Compounds
Understanding Structure and Bonding in Organic Compounds
Have you ever played with building blocks or tried building a small house with sticks and gum? That’s almost what atoms do when they form organic compounds. The way atoms like carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen stick together is what we call structure and bonding.
Organic compounds are all about how carbon atoms connect with other atoms. Carbon is the main character here, like the lead actor in a Nollywood film. It is special because it can form four bonds—yes, four strong covalent bonds. This makes it very versatile, like a talented artist who can sing, dance, act, and play drums!
Types of Bonding in Organic Compounds
The most common bond in Organic Chemistry is the covalent bond. This is when atoms share electrons to become stable—just like two people working together to carry a heavy bucket of water.
There are three major types of covalent bonds you should know:
Single Bond (Sigma bond – σ)
This is the simplest bond, formed when two atoms share one pair of electrons. Example: in ethane (CH₃–CH₃), each carbon shares one bond with the other and three with hydrogen.
Double Bond (One sigma + one pi bond – π)
When atoms share two pairs of electrons. Example: ethene (CH₂=CH₂). The extra pi bond makes the molecule more reactive.
Triple Bond (One sigma + two pi bonds)
Here, atoms share three pairs of electrons. Example: ethyne (CH≡CH). This bond is shorter and stronger, but even more reactive.
Structure of Organic Molecules
Organic molecules are written and drawn in different ways to help us understand how atoms are arranged:
Molecular Formula: Shows the number of atoms. E.g., C₂H₆ for ethane.
Structural Formula: Shows how atoms are connected.
Example:
CH₃–CH₃ for ethane
CH₂=CH₂ for ethene
Displayed Formula: Draws every bond and atom—perfect for exams.
Condensed Formula: A shorter version e.g., CH₃CH₃.
Skeletal Formula: Used in advanced chemistry, it shows bonds with lines and leaves out hydrogen bonded to carbon.
Hybridisation in Organic Chemistry (Simple Explanation)
Carbon can “rearrange” its orbitals to form different shapes:
sp³ hybridisation – carbon forms 4 single bonds (as in methane); gives a tetrahedral shape (like a tripod with one leg up).
sp² hybridisation – carbon forms one double bond (as in ethene); gives a trigonal planar shape (flat like a drawing board).
sp hybridisation – carbon forms one triple bond (as in ethyne); gives a linear shape (straight like a ruler).
Summary
- Organic compounds are made of atoms joined by covalent bonds.
- Carbon is unique because it forms four bonds.
- Covalent bonds can be single, double, or triple depending on the number of shared electrons.
- The structure of organic compounds can be shown in different ways: molecular, structural, displayed, condensed, and skeletal.
- Hybridisation helps explain the shape and bonding behaviour of carbon in organic compounds.
Evaluation
- Why is carbon able to form four bonds?
- What type of bond is found in ethyne?
- Draw the structural formula of ethene.
- What is the difference between a single, double, and triple bond?
- Explain one reason why carbon is very important in Organic Chemistry.
You’ve done so well, champ! Give yourself a big smile—you’ve just mastered one of the most important ideas in Organic Chemistry. Remember, no matter how complex it looks, you’ve got everything it takes to understand it and succeed. Keep learning with Afrilearn—your reliable learning partner on this amazing journey. See you in the next class!