Introduction to Organic Molecules and Functional Groups

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is important in the formation of collagen, a protein that holds together the connective tissues of skin, muscle, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is obtained from eating citrus fruits. A deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy, a common disease of sailors in the 1600s who had no access to fresh fruits on long voyages. In Chapter 3, we learn why some vitamins like vitamin A can be stored in the fat cells in the body, whereas others like vitamin C are excreted in urine. 

After these questions are answered, we can understand some important phenomena. For example, why do we store some vitamins in the body and readily excrete others How does soap clean away dirt We will also use the properties of organic molecules to explain some basic biological phenomena, such as the structure of cell membranes and the transport of species across these membranes. 

What are the characteristic features of an organic compound Most organic molecules have C-C and C—H o bonds. These bonds are strong, nonpolar, and not readily broken. Organic molecules may have the following structural features as well  

These structural features distinguish one oiganic molecule from another. They determine a molecule s geometry, physical properties, and reactivity, and comprise what is called a functional group. 

Why do heteroatoms and n bonds confer reactivity on a particular molecule  

Chapter 3 Introduction to Organic Molecules and Functional Groups 

Having learned some basic concepts about structure, bonding, and acid-base chanis-try in Chapters 1 and 2, we will now concentrate on organic molecules. 

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Introduction to Organic Molecules and Functional Groups Types of Intermolecular Forces (3.3)... 

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