LPC09122 CHEMISTRY II

COURSE AGENDA

MODULE 1. HYDROCARBONS IN LIFE MODULE 4. PETROLEUM, BIOMOLECULES AND COMBUSTION

 Topic 1. Organic Chemistry AND FERMENTATION REACTIONS
1.1Nature and its chemicals reactions  Topic 11. Chemical Reactions II
1.2Definition of organic chemistry 11.1Combustion
1.3Organic Chemistry 11.2Fermentation
 Topic 2. Carbon 11.3Esterification
2.1Chemical and physical properties of carbon 11.4Uses
2.2Hybridization  Topic 12. Petroleum
2.3 Sigma () and Pi ()bond 12.1Derivatives
 Topic 3. Hydrocarbons 12.2Petroleum Refinery
3.1Alkanes 12.3Importance
3.2Alkenes  Topic 13. Biomolecules
3.3Alkynes 13.1Principal Types of Biomolecules
3.4Cyclic Hydrocarbons 13.2Functional groups
3.5Importance in life 13.3Biomolecules groups
MODULE 2. ALCOHOLS, ALDEHYDES, AND KETONES 13.4Importance in health
 Topic 5. Alcohols
5.1Classification
5.2Nomenclature
5.3Properties and importance
 Topic 6. Aldehydes
6.1Nomenclature
6.2Properties
6.3Importance
 Topic 7. Ketones
7.1Nomenclature
7.2Properties
7.3Importance
MODULE 3. CARBOXYLIC ACIDS, ESTERS, ETHERS, AMINES,
AMIDES TOPIC
 8. Carboxylic acids
8.1Nomenclature
8.2Properties
8.3Importance
 Topic 9. Functional Groups
9.1 Esters
9.2Ethers
9.3Amines
9.4Amides
9.5 Properties and importance
 Topic 10. Chemical Reactions I
10.1Polymerization
10.2Saponification

Bibliography
 McMurry, J. (2008). Organic Chemistry (7th Ed). USA: Thomson.
(ISBN: 9780495112587)

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 MODULE 1
TOPIC EXPLANATION 1. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

1.1 Nature and its Chemical Reactions

The Earth is a planet that shares its origin with other planets that all together orbit around a big star
called Sun. If we compare the Earth with other planets of the solar system, we can establish that it is
small, has high density which is 5.52 g/cm3, its temperature is 22°C, which allows maintaining water in
its liquid phase in big quantities, covering a 70% of its surface and allowing the existence of life.
Many changes have taken place in the history of planet Earth. Some of them are natural consequences
of Earth’s physical and chemical properties, but others are related to the roll of man, who has been able
to change the environment in order to satisfy his necessities and commodities.

In the twenty first century we have realized that we still live in a small planet, which orbits around the sun, and that we wish to maintain
it healthy for the maximum amount of time. This is why we need to know the chemical elements that form the planet, so we can take
care of the reactions between them, and favor them to life.
A compound not studied in organic chemistry is
Water. Water is vital for man’s life, since 75% of
the human body is water. To maintain us alive we
drink water from rivers, lakes and from
underground. In nature, water is constantly
recycled by a cycle, which you can view in figure
1. Unfortunately man has modified this cycle
with his actions, adding residual water in rivers,
spilling petroleum in the sea and not allowing the
filtration trough the soil due to roads and
expansion of cities.

The carbon cycle is a nature process which

transforms carbon dioxide into oxygen, and is
indeed necessary for human life. Photosynthesis
is developed primordially in plants, since they
emit oxygen into the environment, but
Figure 1. The water cycle
deforestation and the excessive use of
http://www.explora.cl/otros/agua/ciclo2.html.
hydrocarbons as a source of energy are affecting
Reproduced for educational purposes.
significatively this process.

Figure 2. The carbon cycle http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Life/biogeochem.html&edu=high&fr=t%20t

Reproduced for educational purposes
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 Nitrogen is an element needed to from proteins, which
are the base of fertilizers used in agriculture, and can be
obtained in artificial ways. The excessive use or high
concentrations of nitrogen in soil is considered to be a
pollutant, due to water erosion.

Figure 3. The nitrogen cycle

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/9s.ht
ml
Reproduced for educational purposes.

1.2 Definition of Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is a discipline within chemistry that studies the composition of substances and its changes, focusing in organic
compounds; it was considered in the past that it was only present in living organisms, but with time it has been synthesized also in inert
substances which contain carbon as its base element.
1.3 Organic Chemistry
In this course you will learn that the gas you use in the stove is a hydrocarbon, the alcohol you use with medical purposes, is also a
hydrocarbon. Other types of hydrocarbons are: aldehydes, ketone, carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, amines, amides, and bio-molecules,
which are part of daily use products. These hydrocarbons are obtained from vegetables and animals, and their molecules are formed by
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.
The knowledge of the characteristics of these compounds will allow us to have the bases
to assure Earth’s Sustainability. We will be searching for a balance in having human
comfort without damaging the environment and its natural resources, which are the base
of life. }

Knowing these compounds will also help us understand our responsibility in

contamination. We must analyze this in The Earth Charter which declares the
responsibility of humans to life and to future generations.

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 T H E E A R T H C H A R T E R

P R E A M B L E

We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world
becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move
forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human
family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global
society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards
this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater
community of life, and to future generations.

Earth, Our Home

Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. The
forces of nature make existence a demanding and uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the conditions
essential to life's evolution. The resilience of the community of life and the well-being of humanity depend
upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile
soils, pure waters, and clean air. The global environment with its finite resources is a common concern of all
peoples. The protection of Earth's vitality, diversity, and beauty is a sacred trust.

The Global Situation

The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environmental devastation, the depletion
of resources, and a massive extinction of species. Communities are being undermined. The benefits of
development are not shared equitably and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Injustice, poverty,
ignorance, and violent conflict are widespread and the cause of great suffering. An unprecedented rise in
human population has overburdened ecological and social systems. The foundations of global security are
threatened. These trends are perilous—but not inevitable.

The Challenges Ahead

The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of
ourselves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of
living. We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being
more, not having more. We have the knowledge and technology to provide for all and to reduce our impacts
on the environment. The emergence of a global civil society is creating new opportunities to build a
democratic and humane world. Our environmental, economic, political, social, and spiritual challenges are
interconnected, and together we can forge inclusive solutions.

Universal Responsibility
To realize these aspirations, we must decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying
ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our local communities. We are at once citizens of
different nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for
the present and future well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The spirit of human
solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being,
gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature.

We urgently need a shared vision of basic values to provide an ethical foundation for the emerging world
community. Therefore, together in hope we affirm the following interdependent principles for a sustainable way of
life as a common standard by which the conduct of all individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, and
transnational institutions is to be guided and assessed.
 T H E E A RT H C H AR T ER

P R I N C I P L E S

I. RESPEC T AND CARE F OR THE COMMU NITY O F LIFE

1. Respect Earth and life in all its diversity.

a. Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human
beings.
b. Affirm faith in the inherent dignity of all human beings and in the intellectual, artistic, ethical, and spiritual
potential of humanity.

2. Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love.
a. Accept that with the right to own, manage, and use natural resources comes the duty to prevent environmental
harm and to protect the rights of people.
b. Affirm that with increased freedom, knowledge, and power comes increased responsibility to promote the
common good.

3. Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.
a. Ensure that communities at all levels guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms and provide everyone
an opportunity to realize his or her full potential.
b. Promote social and economic justice, enabling all to achieve a secure and meaningful livelihood that is
ecologically responsible.

4. Secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations.
a. Recognize that the freedom of action of each generation is qualified by the needs of future generations.
b. Transmit to future generations values, traditions, and institutions that support the long-term flourishing of
Earth's human and ecological communities. In order to fulfill these four broad commitments, it is necessary to:

I I . E C O L O GI C A L I N T E GR I T Y

5. Protect and restore the integrity of Earth's ecological systems, with special concern for
biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.
a. Adopt at all levels sustainable development plans and regulations that make environmental conservation and
rehabilitation integral to all development initiatives.
b. Establish and safeguard viable nature and biosphere reserves, including wild lands and marine areas, to protect
Earth's life support systems, maintain biodiversity, and preserve our natural heritage.
c. Promote the recovery of endangered species and ecosystems.
d. Control and eradicate non-native or genetically modified organisms harmful to native species and the
environment, and prevent introduction of such harmful organisms.
e. Manage the use of renewable resources such as water, soil, forest products, and marine life in ways that do not
exceed rates of regeneration and that protect the health of ecosystems.
f. Manage the extraction and use of non-renewable resources such as minerals and fossil fuels in ways that
minimize depletion and cause no serious environmental damage.

6. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited,
apply a precautionary approach.
a. Take action to avoid the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental harm even when scientific knowledge
is incomplete or inconclusive.
b. Place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm, and make
the responsible parties liable for environmental harm.
c. Ensure that decision making addresses the cumulative, long-term, indirect, long distance, and global
consequences of human activities.
d. Prevent pollution of any part of the environment and allow no build-up of radioactive, toxic, or other hazardous
substances.
e. Avoid military activities damaging to the environment.

7. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction that safeguard Earth's

regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being.
a. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the materials used in production and consumption systems, and ensure that residual
waste can be assimilated by ecological systems.
b. Act with restraint and efficiency when using energy, and rely increasingly on renewable energy sources such as
solar and wind.
c. Promote the development, adoption, and equitable transfer of environmentally sound technologies.

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 T H E E A RT H C H AR T ER

d. Internalize the full environmental and social costs of goods and services in the selling price, and enable
consumers to identify products that meet the highest social and environmental standards.
e. Ensure universal access to health care that fosters reproductive health and responsible reproduction.
f. Adopt lifestyles that emphasize the quality of life and material sufficiency in a finite world.

8. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the open exchange and wide
application of the knowledge acquired.
a. Support international scientific and technical cooperation on sustainability, with special attention to the needs of
developing nations.
b. Recognize and preserve the traditional knowledge and spiritual wisdom in all cultures that contribute to
environmental protection and human well-being.
c. Ensure that information of vital importance to human health and environmental protection, including genetic
information, remains available in the public domain.

III . SOCI AL AND ECONO MIC JU STICE

9. Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative.

a. Guarantee the right to potable water, clean air, food security, uncontaminated soil, shelter, and safe sanitation,
allocating the national and international resources required.
b. Empower every human being with the education and resources to secure a sustainable livelihood, and provide
social security and safety nets for those who are unable to support themselves.
c. Recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop their
capacities and to pursue their aspirations.

10. Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human development in
an equitable and sustainable manner.
a. Promote the equitable distribution of wealth within nations and among nations.
b. Enhance the intellectual, financial, technical, and social resources of developing nations, and relieve them of
onerous international debt.
c. Ensure that all trade supports sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and progressive labor
standards.
d. Require multinational corporations and international financial organizations to act transparently in the public
good, and hold them accountable for the consequences of their activities.

11. Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development and ensure
universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity.
a. Secure the human rights of women and girls and end all violence against them.
b. Promote the active participation of women in all aspects of economic, political, civil, social, and cultural life as
full and equal partners, decision makers, leaders, and beneficiaries.
c. Strengthen families and ensure the safety and loving nurture of all family members.

12. Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment
supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being, with special attention to the
rights of indigenous peoples and minorities.
a. Eliminate discrimination in all its forms, such as that based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion,
language, and national, ethnic or social origin.
b. Affirm the right of indigenous peoples to their spirituality, knowledge, lands and resources and to their related
practice of sustainable livelihoods.
c. Honor and support the young people of our communities, enabling them to fulfill their essential role in creating
sustainable societies.
d. Protect and restore outstanding places of cultural and spiritual significance.

I V . D E M O C R A C Y, N O N V I O L E N C E , A N D P E A C E

13. Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability
in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice.
a. Uphold the right of everyone to receive clear and timely information on environmental matters and all
development plans and activities which are likely to affect them or in which they have an interest.
b. Support local, regional and global civil society, and promote the meaningful participation of all interested
individuals and organizations in decision making.
c. Protect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, association, and dissent.
d. Institute effective and efficient access to administrative and independent judicial procedures, including remedies

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 T H E E A RT H C H AR T ER

and redress for environmental harm and the threat of such harm.
e. Eliminate corruption in all public and private institutions.
f. Strengthen local communities, enabling them to care for their environments, and assign environmental
responsibilities to the levels of government where they can be carried out most effectively.

14. Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills
needed for a sustainable way of life.
a. Provide all, especially children and youth, with educational opportunities that empower them to contribute
actively to sustainable development.
b. Promote the contribution of the arts and humanities as well as the sciences in sustainability education.
c. Enhance the role of the mass media in raising awareness of ecological and social challenges.
d. Recognize the importance of moral and spiritual education for sustainable living.

15. Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.

a. Prevent cruelty to animals kept in human societies and protect them from suffering.
b. Protect wild animals from methods of hunting, trapping, and fishing that cause extreme, prolonged, or avoidable
suffering.
c. Avoid or eliminate to the full extent possible the taking or destruction of non-targeted species.

16. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace.

a. Encourage and support mutual understanding, solidarity, and cooperation among all peoples and within and
among nations.
b. Implement comprehensive strategies to prevent violent conflict and use collaborative problem solving to manage
and resolve environmental conflicts and other disputes.
c. Demilitarize national security systems to the level of a non-provocative defense posture, and convert military
resources to peaceful purposes, including ecological restoration.
d. Eliminate nuclear, biological, and toxic weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
e. Ensure that the use of orbital and outer space supports environmental protection and peace.
f. Recognize that peace is the wholeness created by right relationships with oneself, other persons, other cultures,
other life, Earth, and the larger whole of which all are a part.

T H E W A Y F O R W A R D

As never before in history, common destiny beckons us to seek a new beginning. Such renewal is the promise of
these Earth Charter principles. To fulfill this promise, we must commit ourselves to adopt and promote the values
and objectives of the Charter.

This requires a change of mind and heart. It requires a new sense of global interdependence and universal
responsibility. We must imaginatively develop and apply the vision of a sustainable way of life locally, nationally,
regionally, and globally. Our cultural diversity is a precious heritage and different cultures will find their own
distinctive ways to realize the vision. We must deepen and expand the global dialogue that generated the Earth
Charter, for we have much to learn from the ongoing collaborative search for truth and wisdom.

Life often involves tensions between important values. This can mean difficult choices. However, we must find
ways to harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise of freedom with the common good, short-term objectives with
long-term goals. Every individual, family, organization, and community has a vital role to play. The arts, sciences,
religions, educational institutions, media, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and governments are all
called to offer creative leadership. The partnership of government, civil society, and business is essential for
effective governance.

In order to build a sustainable global community, the nations of the world must renew their commitment to the
United Nations, fulfill their obligations under existing international agreements, and support the implementation of
Earth Charter principles with an international legally binding instrument on environment and development.

Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve
sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.

O R I G I N O F T H E E A R T H C H A R T E R
The Earth Charter was created by the independent Earth Charter Commission, which was convened as a follow-up to the 1992 Earth Summit in order
to produce a global consensus statement of values and principles for a sustainable future. The document was developed over nearly a decade through an
extensive process of international consultation, to which over five thousand people contributed. The Charter has been formally endorsed by thousands of
organizations, including UNESCO and the IUCN (World Conservation Union). For more information, please visit www.EarthCharter.org.

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 TOPIC EXPLANATION 2. CARBON

2.1 Chemical and physical properties of carbon

Carbon is a non-metal element, its symbol is C and it is the first member of the fourth group in the periodic table. Its basic inorganic
compounds are: CO and CO2 when this last reacts with strong base aqueous solutions it forms carbonic acid salts, also known as
carbonates.

Chemical properties:
Property Value Definition
Atomic number Z=6 Number of protons or electrons in an atom.
Oxidation states 2, 4 Electrons that can be combined to form a bond.
2 2 2
Electronic configuration 1s 2s 2p Distribution of the atom’s electrons.
Atomic mass 12.01 uma The atom’s mass.
Electro negativity 2.55 Ability of an atom to attract electrons toward itself in a covalent
bond.
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Atomic radius 77 x 10 m Measure of the size of its atoms.
Ionic radius 16 pm Measure of the size of an ion in a crystal structure.
Electron affinity 1.26 eV Amount of energy required to form an anion.
Ionization energy 11.26 eV Amount of energy required to form a cation.

Physical properties:
Carbon can be present in different physical forms, phenomena called allotropy. You can find it in a crystal form (diamond and graphite)
or amorphous, which means without a form (soft coal and anthracite, among others); its physical characteristics depends of the form it
is presented.
State Characteristics Form
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Diamond The hardest of the natural minerals; its density is 3.5 g/cm . Each
atom is found in the center of a tetrahedron united to four carbons
which forms its vertexes.

Graphite It has a laminar structure, in which each carbon atom is united to

another, forming on a hexagonal system with three cyclical
structures; its plates are separated to form a dry lubricant, which
allows them to slide one over the other.
Soft coal Great calorific potential. Amorphous
Anthracite It burns with a short and blue flame. Amorphous

2.2 Orbital Hybridization

The orbital is the region or space in an atom where the electron is located. There are different forms and types. Its type indicates the
amount of energy an electron has, and the atom arrangement can determine its chemical behavior. The orbital are clouds that resemble
the movement of electrons, its density depends on the probability of electrons existing in that zone. The carbon atom has six electrons;
it has the first orbital complete 1s, and has two electrons in orbital 2s, and the remaining two electrons, one is found in 2px and the
other in 2py.
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 Orbital Description Image
This orbital, named 1s, has the lowest energy
level. Its shape is a sphere, its highest density is
1s
located in the outskirts and the probability of
finding an electron in this area is of 95%.

This orbital is bigger in size than 1s It is a sphere

2s in which the center is the origin of the X, Y and Z
coordinates.

This orbital consist of two ellipsoids where the

atom’s nucleus is located. We find this orbital
2p oriented on the X, Y or Z axis, as you can see
them in the following drawings.

Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals in order to produce a new orbital with different functions.
There are different hybrids that are formed in different orbital, with the aim of forming a better chemical bond. In the case of organic
chemistry, Carbon always uses its fourth valence; in order to achieve this, hybridization exists in the 2s and 2p orbitals, by which the four
electrons that originally where found there are now rearranged in 1s, 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals, forming the SP3 hybrid. When the
electrons don’t reach to pair on the Pz orbital, the SP2 hybrid is formed, and finally if the S and Px orbital are involved, the SP hybrid is
formed.
Involved Orbitals Hybrid Figure Form

S y Px SP

2
S, Px y Py SP

3
S, Px, Py y Pz SP

2.3 Sigma (s) and Pi (p) Bond

A chemical bond is the union between two atoms of the same or different element. You can classify them by its ionic bond, which is
formed from a complete transfer of electrons from one atom to the other, or by covalent bonds, which is when atoms share their
electrons. The last one is the one most frequently present in organic compounds.
One way of explaining these bonds is by the configuration of the atomic orbital described above (s,p), but they can also be explained by
visualizing the molecule as a hole, using molecular orbitals which are named sigma (s) and pi (p). The sigma (s) bond is a covalent bond
in which the electronic density between its two nucleuses is high, and it is symmetric around the axis that connects these two nucleuses.
The pi (p) bond is also a covalent bond, but its electronic density is concentrated in two regions, above and underneath the axis that
connects the two nucleuses.
Bond Electronic density Form In Hydrocarbons

Sigma (s) Symmetric around the axis. Simple bonds.

Pi (p) Asymmetric in two regions, above and underneath the axis. Double or triple bonds.

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In hydrocarbon bonds, when four simple SP bonds are formed around the carbon the sigma bond is formed, but when the carbon has a
2
double bond with another carbon the SP hybrid is formed, setting free the 2pz; in this two carbons the pi () bond is formed. Finally the
triple hybrid bond is the SP setting free for the pi () bond the Py and Pz.

When carbon bonds with another carbon, it has the characteristic of forming chains which can be from two until big numbers. This can
be classified as:
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 Parent chain Principal hydrocarbon chain formed by the chain containing the
maximum number of carbons.
Linear chain or side- Occurs where an open line of carbons is formed.
chain
Branched chain When one or more carbons of the parent chain are bond with smaller
chains called radicals.
Closed chains When the last carbon is united with the first carbon, closing the chain.
The carbons in these chains can be classified according to whom they are united. Primary carbon bond has one carbon neighbor,
secondary carbon bond has two carbon neighbors, tertiary carbon bond has three carbon neighbors, and quaternary carbon bond has
four carbon neighbors.

TOPIC EXPLANATION 3. HYDROCARBONS

3.1 Alkanes
Alkanes are hydrocarbons with open chain, in which the links between carbon and carbon are single bonds. Its general formula is CnH2n+2
and they can be in straight-chain or can have branches. When a compound has the same number of carbons and hydrogens but the
structure of its chain is different this compound is called structural isomer.
If we have 8 C, and based on the alkane general formula, we must have 18H, how many ways can you arrange these elements without
forgetting that each carbon must have 4 bonds and each hydrogen only one? The ways in which you arrange these structures are
isomers of this compound, always considering every possible combination.

Formula
Name Molecular formula Condensed formula Structural formula

Ethane C2 H6 CH3-CH3

When a compound has branches, it is necessary to take into consideration which is the longest continuous chain formed by carbons, the
parent chain, and then we have to number the carbon atoms starting from the nearest branch. After doing this, you name the numbers
of carbon atoms where the side-chain is located; if there is more than one side-chain of the same type, use the prefix –di (2), -tri (3), -
tetra (4),etc., before it. You have to take into consideration that you name them in alphabetical order, and at the end you will add the
parent-chain suffix –ane. Below is a table listing the most common radicals and an example of nomenclature of alkanes:

Alkane Formula Radical

Methane Just one Carbon Methyl

Ethane An H is lost, doesn’t matter in which C. Ethyl

If the H is lost in one end of the chain. Propyl

Propane
If the H is lost in the second C. Isopropyl

When it is bond in the fourth carbon. Butyl

When it is connected to the second

Sec-butyl
Butane carbon.

Comes from the butane isomer. Isobutyl

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 When it is connected to the third carbon. Tert-butyl

Example:
Compound Explanation Name

5,6-diethyl-2-methyloctane

3.2 Alkenes
Alkenes are hydrocarbons that have double bonds between carbons (C=C). Its general formula is CnH2n.
To determine its nomenclature, like alkanes, you have to search for the parent chain, the longest carbon chain that contains the double
bond. Number the carbons starting where the nearest double bond is located. Name the radicals in alphabetical order, putting before
them the carbon number in which they are located, then the number where the double bond is located and finally write the name of the
parent chain with the suffix –ene. If there is more than one double bond, you add the prefix di-, tri-, etc., before the name. If the
double bond is located in different carbons, you have a position isomerism.
Example:

Chain Explanation Name

3,4-diethyl-7 methyl-1,6-octadiene.

3.3 Alkynes
Alkynes are hydrocarbons that have a triple bond between carbons (C≡C),
when they have only one triple bond its general formula is CnH2n-2.
Like alkanes and alkenes, to set the nomenclature of alkynes you search
for the parent chain, which contains the triple bond. You number the
carbons starting where the triple bond is nearest. You have to name the
radicals in alphabetical order, putting before them the number of the
carbon in which they are located, then the number where the triple bond
is located and finally write the name of the parent chain with the suffix –
yne. If there is more than one triple bond, add the prefix di-, tri-, etc.,
before the name. An example can be:

3.4 Cyclic Hydrocarbons

These hydrocarbons are named cyclic, because its carbons are united forming a closed figure. You name them with the cyclic prefix to
the name to which it corresponds: alkane if it has a single bond, alkene if it has a double bond or alkyne if there is a triple bond.
In many occasions a geometric figure is used to indicate them. The smallest is the cyclopropane, forming a triangle and beyond you go in
naming them.

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3.5 Importance in life
Every hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen, producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), being its main use in daily life as fuel.
The vegetal organic matter, when fermented in anaerobic conditions, forms methane, and during many years it was burned without
using it. Nowadays it is known for its potential energy; other alkanes that share this characteristic of being an energy source are the
propane and butane, which are used in stoves at homes and industries.
The mixture of hydrocarbons with between five or ten carbons produces the famous octanes, which we call gasoline. But this is not its
only use, some alkanes, like cyclohexane, are used in the production of nylon, and the hexane is necessary for oil extractions such as soy,
peanut or cotton.
The alkenes are the raw materials for plastics such as the polyethylene, Teflon, polyvinyl chloride which has many uses in our daily life.
The alkynes are materials for the preparation of agricultural products, pharmaceutics, and are also used as fuels, because they produce
a hot flame which is required in welding processes.
Now you can imagine a life without gasoline, a stove without gas. Imagine if all the plastic materials or nylons were missing...
Do you consider that hydrocarbons are important for your daily life?

TOPIC EXPLANATION 4. AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS

4.1 Benzene
The Benzene is a liquid with a characteristic odor; it is the basic compound of the aromatic family. Its molecular formula is C6H6, and
every carbon has three covalent bonds, one double bond, and two single bonds. Its structure can produce resonance giving the benzene
great stability. You can represent the compound with a regular hexagon with alternate double bonds, or in a simple way you can
represent it as a hexagonal with an interior circle.

4.2 Nomenclature
Some compounds are formed by the union of several benzene rings, Naphthalene is among the most important and its structure is
formed by two fused benzene rings. Benzo(alpha)pyrene is another important structure formed by 5 rings, which consists of benzene
rings fused to a pyrene molecule.

Those which are benzene derivatives have daily use common names, but you can also name them according to IUPAC. If you have a
substituting group in which the carbon is the same compound, it will be named by using the word benzene first. When there are two
substituting groups you may end up with three different isomers;

Ortho Meta Para

If they are in two contiguous carbons, for When two carbons are apart, for When there is a substitution in the
example number 1 and 2, you can use the example in the carbon 1 and 3, you can carbon 1 and 4, to name it you use the
prefix ortho-, that can be abbreviated by o- use the prefix meta-, abbreviated by m- prefix para-, that can be abbreviated
before the word benzene. before the word benzene. by p-, before the word benzene.

Methylbenzene is also known as toluene, and many other compounds are named based on it. For example you can consider the methyl
carbon as one, and use the prefixes orto-, meta- and para- when you have a substitute.

Those compounds that have three or more substitutes will be numbered in a direction that allows them to have the smallest numbers in
total carbons. If the principal structure is a toluene, the methyl will always be one, and in the name the number of carbons is written,
8
the groups are named in alphabetical order and finally the main structure: benzene or toluene. If you have more than two equal groups
in your ring, you will use the prefixes di-, tri-, etc., to name these groups.
Toluene O-nitrotoluene 2-methyl-3-nitrotolueno

4.3 Physical properties

The aromatic compounds receive this name because the majority of them have a peculiar or characteristic odor. Many of these
compounds are toxic and carcinogen, reason why they are considered big pollutants, and also have the facility to introduce themselves
into biological membranes and mess with them, causing severe health problems.
Among them, they have similar characteristics, but their differences can allow them to be used in many ways. Some of them are
insoluble to water, and some are mayor solutes in organic solvents; in most of the cases they have lower density than water and their
boiling points grow as their molecular weight grows, sometimes from increments of 20° to 30° for each carbon atom.
Examples:
3
Benzene Colorless liquid with sweet smell. Soluble in organic solvents and dissolves in fats. Its density is 0.89 gr/cm , its
fusion point is 5.5°C and its boiling point is 80°C.
Naphthalene Is a white crystalline solid; can produce the characteristic smell of mothballs.
Styrene Is a colorless or yellowish oily liquid. Has a sweet smell but in high concentrations can be an intense odor.
Ethyl benzene Is a colorless liquid, bitter smell and flammable.

4.4 Importance in life

 Benzene: Benzene is used in motor fuels, industrial solvents, oils, paints and in the photographic industry. It is also used as a
chemical catalyst in the production of detergent and explosives.
 The explosion of this product and its vapors can produce irritation in the eyes, skin and can affect your respiratory system. If the
liquid reaches the lungs, it can cause pulmonary edema and hemorrhage. If it reaches the skin it may cause dermatitis, dry or
scarified.
 Long exposures to benzene can cause depression in the nervous system. It can also produce dizziness, nausea, vomits, headaches; it
can induce coma, and even death. It has been proven that chronic exposure to benzene may decrease red blood cells producing
anemia, leukemia, and other blood ills.
 Naphthalene: Naphthalene is used as a chemical intermediary or base for the synthesis of compounds used in the production of
dyes; it is also used in the production of hydro-naphthalene, synthetic resin, mothballs, and celluloid. Naphthalene is also used as an
insect repellent.
 Ethyl Benzene: The ethyl benzene can be polymerized in order to form plastic, in the form of polystyrene. It is used in the production
of resins, polyesters and insulating material, as well in cellulose acetate, styrene, synthetic oilskin, as a solvent, and gasoline
component for planes and cars. As a liquid or vapor it is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. As a liquid if exposed to the
skin it can produce dermatitis, drying or flaking your skin. Acute exposure to this benzene can produce mucus irritation in the
respiratory system, mouth and nose; it can produce narcosis, cramps and respiratory palsy, and even death. The effects of a short
term contact in a laboratory, can help you to react and avoid serious dangers, but may diminish your manual abilities.
 Toluene: Toluene can be found in the production of benzene, and is used as substratum for phenol compounds, benzyl and its
derivatives, saccharine; it is a great solvent able to dissolve paints, used as thinner or as an octane booster in gasoline fuels.
 It can cause irritation in the eyes, skin and lungs. In a long term exposure the liquid can remove the skin lipids and produce
dermatitis. In high levels, it may cause headaches, nausea or sleepiness.
 Toluene can also produce depression to the nervous system. Its symptoms will be headaches, dizziness and fatigue, lack of
coordination, sleepiness, prostration, and even coma.
 Xylene: Commercial xylene is a mixture of three isomers (orto, meta and para xylene), it can also contain ethyl benzene, as well as
small quantities of toluene. The meta-xylene is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid.
 It is used as a solvent in the paint industry, for cleaning liquids and fuel for planes. It can be used in the perfume industry, as an
insect repellent, epoxy resins, in pharmaceutical and leather products. Xylene vapor can cause irritation in the eyes, nose and throat.
Contact with the skin can produce dryness and dermatitis. Long term exposure can produce depression in the nervous system and
minor reversible effects in liver and kidneys. In high concentrations can produce dizziness, sleepiness, unconsciousness. At higher
concentrations may cause pulmonary edema, anorexia, vomit and abdominal pain.

9
 Trinitrotoluene: The 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is a solid chemical compound with a yellow-colored surface. The main entries in the
organism are via lungs or skin. At high temperatures the toxicity of this compound increases, creating instant absorption in the skin.
TNT is used in bombs and other explosives.
 Dinitrotoluene: 2,4-dinitrotoluene and 2,6-dinitrotoluene are a pale yellow to orange crystalline solid. Both substances represent
two of the six ways to name Dinitrotoluene (DNT), substance which is not naturally produced in the environment. It is used to make
flexible polyurethane foams, used in furniture and mattress industries. You can make explosives, smokeless gunpowder, air bags in
automobiles and dyes.
 A death rate higher to normal has been observed in workers that had been exposed to 2,4-dinitrotoluene, due to heart sickness,
nevertheless these workers were also exposed to other chemical compounds. Dinitrotoluene can also affect the nervous system and
cause irregularities in the blood cells.
 Benzo(alpha)pyrene: Compound which is known for many combustions, it is highly carcinogenic and mutagenic. It is used to
measure air pollution, and is found in cigarette smoke.
 The list of aromatic hydrocarbons can continue, but what is important is that you to understand the variability of these compounds;
its benefits and dangers, and the importance to investigate the products that we consume daily.

10
 Module 2.
TOPIC EXPLANATION 5. ALCOHOLS
5.1 Alcohol Nomenclature
Alcohols are hydrocarbons in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an -OH group, and the carbon which contains
the –OH group can be named primary, secondary or tertiary. So, we can find saturated alcohols, unsaturated alcohols, aromatic and
cyclic alcohols. Observe the following hydrocarbons and the possible alcohol that can be formed from them:

You can realize that one or several hydrogen atoms can be substituted by an OH, even if it is a saturated or unsaturated compound. The
carbon that contains the OH group can be primary and it forms a primary alcohol, if the carbon is secondary it forms a secondary
alcohol, if it is tertiary it forms a tertiary alcohol, if it is quaternary it forms a quaternary alcohol. They can be united to other carbons by
a single, double or triple bond, but only one to the –OH group. They are bonded to the oxygen atom, giving them the possibility to bond
to the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group (-OH).

NOMENCLATURE OF ALCOHOLS

For single bonds: Example:

Look for the parent chain, the longest chain
containing carbons, where the –OH group is
located. Number them starting where the nearest
hydroxyl group is located. Order the alkene groups
in alphabetical order, before the name remember
to put the number of the carbon where the group
is located, use the prefixes di-, tri-, etc.,
corresponding to the equal number of groups
found.
As you can see, this is the same method used
when naming hydrocarbons, writing the number
where the hydroxyl group is located to name the
parent chain, ending it with the suffix -ol. The
suffixes –diol (two -OH groups), –triol (three -OH
groups), -tetraol (four -OH groups), etc., are used if
there are multiple –OH groups in the parent chain.
Example:
For double or triple bonds:
Look for the parent chain, containing the double and/or triple
bonds, and the carbons containing the –OH groups. Number
them starting where the nearest hydroxyl group is located.
Order alphabetically the groups, and remember to write
before the name the number of the carbon where the group
is located. Finally, write the name of the parent chain with
the suffix -ene, -yne, plus the suffix –ol, -diol, -triol, according
to how many OH groups are found.

11
For cyclic hydrocarbons Example:
You just need to add the suffix –ol. For compounds with a
benzene ring, they are classified in a special way, naming
them phenols. The –OH group is assumed to be in carbon
number 1, and you add the prefix phenol-. The benzene ring is
a group called phenyl.

5.2 Properties
Unlike hydrocarbons, alcohols contain an –OH group, which makes alcohol’s molecule very polar, making it easy to have hydrogen
bonds. This allows them to have physical properties that distinguish them from hydrocarbons.
Its boiling point increases in relation with the carbons contained, but it decreases when the branching number increases.
Being liquids associated, as water, they are bigger than its homogeny. For example methanol is 64.5°C and for 1,3 - Propanediol is 215°C.
The solubility has the tendency to form hydrogen bonds. The smaller the alcohol, the better its solubility in water, because the –OH
group occupies a higher percentage in the molecule. When this percentage lowers, its solubility decreases as well. Its density increases
with the number of carbons, decreases with branching and it increases with close chains.
Note: in the recommended bibliography you can find properties of other specific alcohols.

5.3 Importance
The importance of alcohols is
equal to the hydrocarbons
studied before; in the table you
can see the uses of the most
common alcohols.

This is the reason why ethanol is

the more studied and promoted
alcohol in those countries which
depend in exporting petroleum,
who are searching for alternative
ways to improve their situation
and be competitive in the
ethanol market.

A lot of countries may be opposed to ethanol production, because it is inefficient in terms of energy consumption, for example to
produce ethanol from corn, you need more energy for the production process than the ethanol produced. In our country, farming
doesn’t produce the demands of corn needed for the Mexicans, and we are afraid that instead of giving food to people, corn will be
given to energy producers, which can be more rentable but would cause a shortage in food with consequences as the increase the price
of the tortilla, a basic element of our daily alimentation, creating a crisis among the population.

Biodiesel is considered another alternative to fuel production. It has similar properties as diesel but it is obtained from a chemical
process combining ethanol, methanol and animal or vegetable fat. One of the advantages of biodiesel is that it can be used in diesel
motors, it is 100% biodegradable, non toxic and has no sulfur or benzene radicals as a residue.

There are many other interesting fuel alternatives in the market; look for them, know its advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary
to recognize the necessity to seek for an alternative process or source of energy. It is necessary as well to examine the effects of its
residues and intermediate products, in order to avoid the need to resolve in the future the negative issues of the new sources of energy.
The importance of ethyl alcohol or ethanol increases day by day. When we analyze it, we can see that its production and use as a
beverage is increasing exponentially, as well as its consequences in human health.

When you drink a cup of alcohol (wine, beer or its equivalent in alcohol percentage) the organism takes one hour to digest it. If you
consume more than one cup in an hour, the concentration of alcohol in the blood increases, causing several effects in the organism.
First you can experience a sense of freedom and confidence, later your motor coordination and reflexes decrease, your vocabulary is
unclear with pronunciation mistakes, you lose your capacity of concentration, your mood changes from joy to sadness, your judgment
capacity is altered as well as your perception of things, seeing or hearing things that do not exist; if the consumption is continuous in a
long term it can cause illnesses that can lead to death.

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 TOPIC EXPLANATION 6. ALDEHYDES

Aldehydes are compounds containing oxygen

molecules in their formula. The carbon is always
primary and uses two of its bonds to unite to
oxygen, remember it is not an –OH group as in
alcohols. We can synthesize it by expressing its
formula with an HO, which indicates that it
contains the C=O group, this terminal is named
carbonyl group.

The structure of the carbonyl group makes the carbon to be united to three atoms by a sigma bond, due to interpolation in the sp2
orbital, and they are found in 120 (as studied in Module 1). The carbon’s orbital p overlaps the oxygen to form the pi bond, by which
the carbon and the oxygen atoms are united by a double bond and the surrounding molecule of the carbonyl is plain.

6.1 Nomenclature
The carbon chains united to a carbonyl group can be any hydrocarbon that is converted in a group by losing one of its hydrogens, reason
why we can find in aldehydes groups that we studied in Module 1.
To name them correctly look for the parent chain, the longest carbon chain which contains the carbonyl group. The chain is numbered in
such way that the aldehyde carbon is in the first position. Then locate the other alkane groups; remember to use the corresponding
prefix if you have repeated groups. Sort the names in alphabetical order and finally name the parent chain using the –al suffix.

If you have compounds with a ring take the ring as the base and
the carbon where the carbonyl group is located will be named
with its corresponding prefix: alpha, orto or para.

6.2 Properties
The carboxyl group in aldehydes is always found in the first carbon, by which this carbon is also united to a hydrogen atom. The carbon
chain can give the aldehyde specific characteristics that can make it oxidize more rapidly and to react to addition. These reactions are
simpler when they are from these groups, rather than other compounds containing aldehydes which we will study later on.
The polarized carbonyl group converts aldehydes in polar substances, which have a higher boiling point that its non polar homologous.
Solubility in water of aldehydes depends on the longitude of the chain: if it has up to 5 carbon atoms it has a stable solubility, and with
more than 5 atoms solubility decreases exponentially.

13
The carbonyl group is strongly active, and takes part in many reactions. A common reaction in aldehydes is when the bond between
carbon and oxygen breaks and a hydrogen atom is bonded to form an alcohol. To synthesize an aldehyde, the reaction of primary
alcohols is needed as shown in the following reaction:

As other organic compounds that we have been studying, aldehydes can be easily found around us. Look at these examples:
 It is found in aromatic compounds with some common odors that we like, such as vanilla with vanillin, cinnamon with the
Cinnamaldehyde and cumin with the cuminaldehye.
All of them have an aldehyde functional group.
 Aldehydes are commonly present in contamination; it is one of the principal eye irritants found in smog.
 In our body vitamin A is converted to cis-retinal, a substance needed so that our eye can respond to light, making them able to
see. This process not only occurs in humans, but also in living organisms with visual systems.
 The formaldehyde or methanal, is an aqueous solution that is used to preserve textiles in decomposition.

TOPIC EXPLANATION 7. KETONES

Ketones are derivatives of hydrocarbons, their structure contains two carbon

atoms or hydrocarbon groups (rings or carbon structures), united to a
carbonyl group (C=O). You have to be aware that this carbon is not a primary
carbon. We can find them in the following forms:
- Two alkane groups.
- One ring and an alkane group.
- Two rings.

7.1 Nomenclature
There are two ways for naming ketones correctly:
 IUPAC, where you always search for the parent chain, which contains the carbonyl group, and express the number of carbons
contained, naming the parent alkane with the suffix –one.
 Breaking the compound with the carbonyl group, and naming the parent alkane of each side, followed by the word ketone.

14
7.2 Properties
Ketones contain the carbonyl group in the secondary carbons, reason why the carbon is not united to a hydrogen atom, but to another
group. Oxidation reactions for ketones will be more difficult than those with aldehydes, and they are less reactive in additions.
The carbon of the carbonyl group can maintain its characteristics by forming bonds. The oxygen, carbonyl carbon and the two atoms
united to them are found in a 120 degree angle between them, for what it is a plane structure in this part of the molecule. This group
can facilitate characteristics to these compounds.
Inferior ketones are highly soluble in water and in organic compounds. As you can see, aldehydes and ketones have similar behavior;
both have the same radical, just in a different carbon. Ketones have the same polar characteristic making their solubility, fusion and
melting points similar to aldehydes, with a little difference between compounds with the same number of carbons and similar
structures.

7.3 Importance
Ketones are regularly used as solvents. The acetone is miscible in water and can dissolve many organic substances. The functional group
in ketones is found in cortisone, progesterone, and antibiotics such as tetracycline and erythromycin.
Aldehydes and ketones can be found in sugars such as glucose and fructose. The propanone is used as raw material in the production of
varnishes, lacquers, chloroform, etc., and it is usually known commercially as nail-polish remover.
Some ketones, among them the acetone, are the final product of a rapid metabolism or excessive fatty acids. They are present in urine.
When levels exceed normal, they can be a sign of metabolic abnormalities, including non controlled diabetes, anorexia, low
carbohydrate or high protein diets, frequent vomiting for a long period of time, etc., allowing the identification of these diseases by
urine analysis.

15
 Module 3. Carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, amines, amides

TOPIC EXPLANATION 8. CARBOXYLIC ACIDS

8.1 Nomenclature
The carboxylic acids are alkyl or aromatic groups united to a carboxyl group. The carboxyl group is a carbon atom united with a double
bond to an oxygen and a simple bond to an -OH group.

R–C=O Ar - C = O
I R- COOH I Ar - COOH
OH OH

To name them, look for the parent chain, the longest chain containing the carboxyl group. The carbon where it is located will be carbon
number one. Look for branches or radical groups and determine the number in which they are found. Order them alphabetically, putting
before the number of the carbon where they are located and using the prefixes di-, tri-, etc., if necessary.
Finally, name the longest chain with the –oic acid suffix.

Examples:
CH3 – CH2 – CH2 – COOH Butanoic acid

CH3 – CH = CH - CH2 – 3-pentenoic acid

COOH
CH3
| 3-methyl-butanoic acid
CH3 – CH – CH2 – COOH

COOH – CH2– 2-phenylethanoic acid

These compounds are known since long ago, and its common names are still used. In the following list you will find some names that
may sound familiar to you.
H – COOH Formic acid
CH3 – COOH Acetic acid
CH3 – CH2 - COOH Propionic acid
CH3 – (CH2)2 - COOH Butyric acid
CH3 – (CH2)3 - COOH Valeric acid
CH3 – (CH2)4 - COOH Caproic acid
CH3 – (CH2)6 - COOH Caprylic acid
CH3 – (CH2)8 - COOH Capric acid
CH3 – (CH2)10 - COOH Lauric acid
CH3 – (CH2)12 - COOH Myristic acid
CH3 – (CH2)14 - COOH Palmitic acid
CH3 – (CH2)7 –CH = CH - (CH2)7 - COOH Oleic acid

If you have a branched compound use the IUPAC nomenclature, but note that it does not consider the carbon in the carboxyl group, and
that instead of assigning numbers to the carbons, the Greek alphabet letters are used to name them, starting from the carbon united to
the carboxyl group.

Examples:
C – C – C – C –COOH
   
Example:

CH3 – CH2 – CH – COOH -methyl butyric acid

|
CH3

By now you can realize that there are three ways of naming the carboxylic acids, though it does not happen only in the acids, but in
every organic compound. The reason why we are explaining this situation in this module is because now you have learned how to name
organic compounds following the IUPAC nomenclature correctly.

16
8.2 Properties
As alcohols, aldehydes and ketones studied in the previous module, for the acid radical of carboxylic acids, the first four are soluble in
water, the fifth is partially soluble and the rest are insoluble in water. Their boiling point is higher than the compounds studied before.
For example, the formic acid has a boiling point of 100.5°C.

The compounds with more than eight carbons are commonly found as solid acids, unless they have a double bond; their fusion point
begins in 8°C with the formic acid.

The acetic acid is the most important of the carboxylic acids, and it is obtained from an oxidation reaction of acetaldehyde and air.
Acetaldehyde is obtained from acetylene or from ethanol dehydration.

8.3 Importance
The carboxylic acids are responsible of the sourness in fruits such as lemons, limes and pineapples, because of their content of citric
acids. The odor of spoiled butter contains butyric acid and lactic acid can be found in the sour milk.

Some medicines such as penicillin or aspirins contain carboxylic groups. The formic acid is the active irritant of a bee or ant bite. The
acetic acid is the vinegar used commonly and it has an important role in the formation and splitting of sugars in the metabolism.

Lately some effects of the methanoic and ethanoic acid contained in the historic heritage metallic structures have been studied.

TOPIC EXPLANATION 9. FUNCTIONAL GROUPS

9.1 Esters
Esters are compounds derived from carboxylic acids; they can be formed by replacing the –OH
group for an O-R group or an O-Ar group. The following reactions explain their production:

They can have products in any possible combination and can be For naming esters, first you have to divide the structure in two
expressed generally by: parts, the parent alcohol and the carboxylic acid. Name first the
alkyl or alcohol group and then the acid followed by the suffix -
R–C=O oate.
| R- COO- R
O–R
Example:
R–C=O
| R- COO- Ar
O – Ar
Ar – C = O Ethyl
| Ar- COO- R CH3 – CH2 - COO – CH2 – CH3
propanoate
O – R
Ar – C = O
| Ar- COO- Ar
O – Ar

9.2 Ethers
Ethers are organic compounds formed by two alkyl or aryl groups connected to an oxygen atom, its general formula can be expressed
as:

R-O-R or Ar-O-R or Ar- O- Ar

17
Ether is symmetric when to each side of the oxygen you have the same alkyl or aryl group. This type of ether is produced by the
dehydration of alcohols, a reaction that requires high temperatures and can be catalyzed by using sulfuric acid.

In a lab, you can use the Williamson ether synthesis, where an alkyl halide reacts with an alkoxide ion (it can be sodium alkoxide or
sodium fenoxide) to produce an ether. The alkyl halide is an alkane which contains a halogen or other element (X).

For naming an ether, name the two substituent followed by the word ether. According to IUPAC, the shorter of the two chains becomes
the first part of the name with the –ane suffix changed to –oxy, and the longer alkane chain becomes the suffix of the name of the ether.
If you have repeated chains you use the prefix -di.

CH3 –O – CH3 dimethyl ether or methoxymethane

CH3 – CH2 – O – CH3 ethyl methyl ether or methoxyethane

Different form the alcohols, ethers cannot form hydrogen bonds among each other, resulting in having lower boiling points than
alcohols.

9.3 Amines
The amines are alkyl or aryl derivatives of ammonia (NH3), where one, two or three atoms of hydrogen can be replaced by a substituent
such as alkyl or aryl groups. They are called primary, secondary or tertiary according to the number of hydrogen atoms replaced.

Primary R – NH2 Ar – NH2

R–NH Ar – NH Ar – NH
Secondary | | |
R R Ar
R–N -R Ar – N - R Ar – N – R Ar – N - Ar
Tertiary | | | |
R R Ar Ar

Amines are prepared, by reacting halides with amines or ammonia; as

shown in the following reaction (Note: R can stand for an aryl or alkyl NH3 + (RX) → RNH2 + (RX) → R2NH + (RX) → R3N
group):

The primary amines are named using the suffix –amine to the alkyl group where they are located. In the secondary or tertiary amines in
which the alkyl groups are the same, you use the prefix di- or tri- to name the alkyl. When the secondary or tertiary amines are not
symmetric they are named using the prefix N- indicating the hydrogen substitutes. The bigger alkyl group is chosen as the base of the
amine, and the substitutes in the nitrogen are indicated using the prefix N.

Examples:
CH3
CH3 – CH2 – NH2 : ethylamine
I
CH3 – N-CH-CH2 -CH3 N,N-dimethylbutan-2-amine
CH3 – NH– CH3 : dimethylamine I
CH3

Amines are polar compounds as ammonia, which can form hydrogen bonds.
 By forming hydrogen bonds in their molecules, Amines’ boiling point is higher than those non polar compounds of the same
molecular weight, but they have lower boiling points than alcohols and carboxylic acids.
 Amines containing less than six carbons are soluble with water; for bigger amines water solubility decreases.

18
9.4 Amides
Amides are derivatives of carboxylic acids, where the –OH group is replaced by a NH2.

R–C=O Ar – C = O
| |
NH2 NH2

They are obtained from ammonia and carboxylic acids, or by ammonia substitution with an ester.

For naming an amide, take the base of the carboxylic acid, changing the suffix –ic acid for the common name or the –oic acid for the
IUPAC name, for the suffix –amide.

CH3 – CO – NH2 : Ethanamide

Amides have high boiling points, similar to those in the aldehydes and ketones with similar molecular weights.

TOPIC EXPLANATION 10. CHEMICAL REACTIONS I

10.1 Polymerization
Polymerization is the process of uniting a large amount of small molecules in order to form a
bigger molecule named macromolecule. They can be natural as the polysaccharides and proteins,
which we will study later on, or synthetic which are classified in:

Elastomers Those polymers which have elasticity similar to rubber.

Fibers Threads with great resistance.
They can be molded in many forms and we find them in many
Plastics
objects with different forms and uses.

All of the macromolecules are formed by smaller molecules; many of them are identical, or at least chemically similar. There are two
general methods for producing them:

1. Chain-growth polymerization: is a series of reactions, each of which consume a reactive particle (it can be an anion, a cation or a free
radical) generating a similar molecule. An example is the polymerization of Ethylene:

Rad + CH2 = CH2 → RadCH2 = CH2 → (CH2 =CH2) radCH2CH2CH2CH2

2. Step-growth polymerization: occurs when each reaction is independent from the other, but a macromolecule is formed, because the
compounds united have several groups that can react between them. From one reaction to the other there is a possibility to unite with
more molecules, forming a macromolecule.
One alcohol with two –OH groups and an acid with two carboxyl groups can be united by one end, setting free the other groups to be
united again.

Example:

Other way to classify the polymerization is by addition, which in most cases occurs by a chain reaction; and by condensation, in which
the process mainly occurs in steps or stages.

Some synthetic polymers are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene; natural polymers are cotton, rubber and wood. Plastics are
synthetic resins and some of them are thermosetting, which mean that they can be softened and remodeled with heat; others are
called thermoplastics which can be reprocessed.

19
Although plastics are a big source of contamination, it is important to know that this is
due to a lack of a recycling culture; industries need our help with the recollection of
materials to avoid the production of more garbage or waste. An easy way to do this is
to know the classification system of plastics; they have a symbol of three arrows
forming a triangle with a number and letter written at its base:

 PET polyethylene terephthalate

 HDPE high-density polyethylene
 PVC polyvinyl chloride
 LDPE low-density polyethylene
 PP polypropylene
 PS polystyrene

Observe the following table:

PLASTIC MONOMER USES APPEARANCE
Opaque, white as wax, it tears
LDPE Ethylene Films, coatings, vases, toys, bags, food wraps.
easily.
Jugs for milk and vinegar, laundry detergent
Low wax, it tears easily, can be
HDPE Ethylene bottles (chorine, whitener, softener),
dark and opaque.
margarine containers.
Rigid, it does not tears up easily,
PP Propylene Fibers, films, jugs, lab equipment.
dark color, white and soft.
Credit cards, floor tiles, bright jugs, pipes.
PVC Vinyl Chloride Hard sometimes with color.
PVC
Vinyl Chloride Same as the above. Soft as the natural skin.
(polychlorinated)
Adipic acid + Hard surface, creamy color, thick,
Nylon Fibers, threads, clothing, surgical material.
hexamethylenediamine fibers can be clear or transparent.
Jugs, packing material, mugs, glasses, egg Hard and shinny, brittle, thunders
PS Styrene
packing. when broken.
PET Soda bottles. Hard and firm.

10.2 Saponification
When an acid and hydrogen react they produce an acid salt, as shown in the following reaction:

+
R – COOH + NaOH → R- COO- Na + H2O

Saponification is a reaction between a long chain fatty acid and a base, which allows the production of a salt and glycerin. The salt
formed is amphipathic, a molecule containing both polar and non polar portions in its structure; the first is hydrophile, soluble in water,
and the other is hydrophobe but soluble in non polar solvents; this allows each end to have its own solubility behavior. Soap is an
example of this process; it allows cleaning by being soluble in water and dragging those compounds that are not. Soap has been being
produced since a long time ago, as shown in the following reaction:

Soap is a form of emulsion that contains micelle molecules, where each extreme of the molecule looks to be close to its similar and
away from the one different to it; for what the non polar are projected outside and the polar gather together in the center, as shown in
the graphic.
Commercial soaps are different because they can vary in the contents of fatty acids used, or because an alcohol is added to make them
crystal clear, as well as perfume or any other ingredient.

20
 Module 4. Petroleum, biomolecules and combustion and fermentation reactions

TOPIC EXPLANATION 11. COMBUSTION

11.1 Combustion
Combustion is a chemical phenomenon very common to us; how many times have they put you as an example to burn paper in order to
explain that in every chemical phenomenon there is a reaction, where its compounds bond in different ways, producing new
compounds.

The general reaction of a complete combustion is the following: Fuel + O2 → CO2 + H2O + Energy

When fuel reacts with oxygen (comburent), and with the aid of an ignition or spark, the reaction produces carbon dioxide, water and
energy. This energy is used in different forms and transformed in other types of energy.

Fuels are compounds that have the capacity to burn, and are
represented mainly by hydrocarbons, studied in the first module. Fuel Calorific value
Many of them are used in the industry and at homes. Domestic gas is (J/g)
a mixture of propane and butane gases, and it is used at homes to Methane 55.6
cook or in heating devices. In other means, natural gas is a mixture of Ethane 52
methane, ethane, propane and butane. Gasoline is a fuel used in cars. Propane 50
Cyclopropane 49
When reacting, each of these fuels produce different types of energy.
Butane 49.6
In the following table you can see some of the most frequent fuels
Cyclobutane 48.9
used and its calorific value in J/gr.
Hexane 45.9
Acetylene 100
As you see, the first fuels in the table are hydrocarbons that only
Wood 20
contain carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) in their molecule. In relation
Wood charcoal 35
with the other compounds, they contain other elements considered
Bituminous coal 30
as impurities. The oxygen comburent is generally provided from air,
Gasoline 34
which is composed in 21% by oxygen. In open air combustions,
Kerosene 37
oxygen will never be the limiting reagent, but in some cases it will be
Natural Gas 50
necessary to include, besides a spark, an injection of the comburent,
for example in internal combustion motors.

In other occasions the combustion is incomplete, as we can

see in the following reactions:

Fuel + O2 → CO + H2O
Fuel + O2 → C + H2O

This happens when the comburent is limited and produces

carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas, that is responsible of
many deaths in a fire or when people use heaters in closed
spaces. This incomplete reaction is also present in cigars
and the filter in them avoids complete combustion, what
makes smokers to inhale carbon monoxide. You should be
aware that high levels of carbon monoxide can be very Image obtained from: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Used for educational purposes only.
dangerous.

Combustion is also present in living organisms. From this reaction energy is produced: the fuel is the food, after the food is digested, and
all its nutrients travel to a cell where they react with the oxygen we breath, which produce a reaction generating energy so we can make
all our daily activities.

21
A well balanced diet will give you the opportunity to maintain a healthy body; when the
food intake is poor, we lose the possibility of giving the 100% of ourselves. If the diet
contains bigger quantities than those we need, our organism will store them as fat. To
avoid this undesired “storage”, it is important that we maintain an adequate diet
according to our activities and we should strengthen our body with exercise.

Food is often measured by the amount of calories that can generate when consumed;
this is because calories are another way to measure energy… energy for our body.
A good diet, in conjunction with the correct air intake when doing our daily activities,
will allow our organism to be more efficient and healthy.

11.2 Fermentation
The way in which some anaerobic organisms produce energy is through the
fermentation process. These organisms can oxidize organic compounds producing
energy; in this condition, oxidation is partial and the energy production is lower than the
one generated in a combustion reaction.

When you think about fermentation, generally you think about alcoholic fermentation.
The production of alcoholic beverages is based on this reaction, and, like combustion, it
is an oxidation reaction but its main difference is that there is no oxygen present.
In the following reaction, you can see that the reactive, which is sugar, with the aid of
microorganisms, it can be transformed to ethanol, by the fermentation process.

C6 H12 O6 → 2CH3 CH2 OH + 2CO2 + 57Kcal

Alcoholic beverages can be classified in wines, beers, ciders and pulque.

Is the result of the complete fermentation of must or fresh grape juice in the presence of the skin of the fruit carrier of
Wine
the yeast.

Is prepared with the juice of mature apples, adding sugar or not, depending if it is necessary, so that finally you do not
Cider
pass the 8% of alcoholic strength needed.

Is poor in alcohol content; its ingredients are: malt or barley grains, hops, starches and water, although other grain
Beer
cereals can be used. Caramel, sucrose and glucose may be added.
Pulque Is the fermentation of cane syrup, which is extracted from the maguey or Mexican agave.

Alcoholic fermentation is not the only way of fermentation. There are other types in which different microorganisms are used, and in
which you may obtain other products. In the following table some products from these fermentations are shown:

FERMENTATION
PRODUCTS ORGANISMS
TYPE
Alcoholic Ethanol + CO2 Yeast (Saccharomyces)
Lactic acid Lactic acid Lactic acid bacterias (Streptococcus, lactobacillus, etc.)
Mixed acid Lactic acid, Acetic acid, Ethanol, CO2, H2 Enteric bacteria (Escherichia, Salmonella)
Butanediol Butanediol, Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Ethanol, CO2, H2 Enteric bacteria (Aerobacter, Serratia)
Butyric acid Butyric Acid, Acetic Acid, CO2, H2 Some clostridiums (Clostridium butyricum)
Acetone-Butanol Acetone, Butanol, Ethanol Some clostridiums (Clostridium acetobutylicum)
Propanoic acids Propanoic acids Propionibacterium

You can also obtain fermentation in animals or even in humans. For example, when a person exercises and does not breath properly, it
provokes the muscles to form lactic acid; this person is indeed generating the needed energy, but when times passes the molecules will
crystallize and cause the well known muscular pain.

22
11.3 Esterification
The esterification is, as we studied before, the formation of esters. This reaction is considered important when analyzing the importance
of ethyl acetate, which is one of the most common monomers used in the production of plastics. This known reaction combines a
carboxylic acid with an alcohol to form an ester; it is used as well with the petroleum acids, where the esterification reaction is produced
by cellulose or glucose, which we will study in the next topic.
Esterification from:
Carboxylic acids and alcohol R – COOH + R – OH → R C OOR’ + H2O
Acid anhydride R- CO-Cl + R-OH → R C OOR’ + HCl

11.4 Uses
In the following table, the main uses are described according to the reaction analyzed:

Reaction Uses
Combustion Energy generation for air, sea and land transport means. The reaction between the fuels used in these vehicles and
oxygen generates the energy which makes them move.
Energy generation to form vapor, used in the thermoelectric plants to generate electric energy.
In homes to cook, in barbecues to cook outside, and in fire camps.
Fermentation In the production of:
 Alcoholic beverages such as wines, beer, liquors, etc.
 Lactic ferments such as yogurt and others.
 Acetic acid fabrication.
Esterification Formation of the raw materials for plastics.

TOPIC EXPLANATION 12. PETROLEUM

Petroleum is a mixture obtained from the subsoil of the earth and it is distributed around the world.
For many years Mexico has based its economy in the extraction of this oily, dark colored substance,
which is the result of the decomposition process of vegetal and animal organisms that were trapped
deep into the earth. Today, petroleum is found in soil and sea, and each time it is found in deeper
places. Why is petroleum so valuable in this moment? Because from petroleum we can obtain
substances which are the base of the energy used in this period of time.

Actually, locating an oil field is neither easy nor risky. It is a scientific task with a well planned
structure, based on the use of technology and instrumentation, and specialized personal.
These people might have to be translated to solitary and inhospitable spots where they trace their
paths and put communication systems to dispose the adequate transportation means for their
transfer. Petroleum is searched following two techniques: superficial exploration and deep
exploration, they both enable the existence of an oil field, which leads to make a big capital
investment in order to drill a petroleum field hole.

In the superficial exploration vertical photography is used, which allows to find the different
vegetation and characteristics of the land, it is investigated and you can deduct a possibility of oil
formation in the land. After these studies a deep exploration is made, which consist in taking samples
in different depths; they are analyzed in a laboratory or their radioactivity is checked in order to
complete the deductive process which can conclude in the presence of petroleum.

The perforation starts when the trepan, which is hollow, is screwed to a sound bar and it is impulse by a rotor table which contains a
perforation column; when it is necessary the bars are increased, and when a depth of 100 or 150meters is reached a possibility of
collapse exists, so it is put into a tube and then cement is applied, which is crucial to fasten the tube and continue until reaching the oil
bank.

Petroleum extraction can be given by the fluid pressure that forces its exit naturally. If this does not occur, you may use other
techniques for extraction, such as the usage of pumps, or water or gas injection.

23
12.1 Derivatives
When petroleum is extracted, crude oil is obtained. Crude reaches the refineries, where it is heated and separated from a mixture of
different products, process known as petroleum refinery. Each one of these products has a different boiling point. After this process is
done, you may obtain the following products:

a. Petroleum derivatives. e. Special essences. i. Tar.

b. Light gases. f. Diesel fuel for motors. j. Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane.
c. Lubricant oils. g. Kerosene. k. Oil mixture, such as isooctane and
d. Gasoline. h. Pitch. heptane mixture.

As you can see, the extracted compounds of petroleum are a mixture of different types of hydrocarbons and different densities
exposed, which finally you can classify as the following:
Hydrocarbons Hydrocarbon derivatives
 Aliphatic:  Aromatic  Alcohols  Carboxylic acids
o Alkanes  Esters  Ethers
o Alkenes  Aldehydes  Amines and amides
o Alkynes  Ketones

12.2 Petroleum Refinery

The refinery is a place where the refinery process
takes place in fractional distillation towers. The
processes developed here is relatively simple, because
petroleum is a mixture composed of many
compounds with different boiling points.
Watch the following diagram so you can understand
better this process:

As you see, crude oil is heated in a boiler up to 400ºC,

evaporating the majority of the elements in the
mixture. The tower has different temperatures in
each plate; when the substance reaches its
condensation point in the plate, it condenses and is
recollected. Those substances still in gas phase will
continue their journey up until they condensate and
are extracted.

Some products are gases that stay in the upper part of

the tower where they will be storage. In the
distillation tower, the lower plate has a temperature
between 250ºC and 350ºC in which diesel oil, used in
heaters and diesel motors, is produced. The
components of petroleum that are not condensed in
this plate rise to the next one, with a temperature
between 160ºC and 250ºC, in which kerosene, fuel
used for airplanes and some stoves, is produced. After
this, the substances that do not condensate rise to a
plate where the temperature is around 70ºC and 160
ºC, where petrol (naphtha) is extracted, which is then
converted into gasoline and plastics. Image obtained from http://www.energyinst.org.uk/education/coryton/images/column.gif
for educational purposes only.
Finally the products that condensate between 20 ºC
and 70 ºC, among them gasoline, are produced. At
the end you obtain gases such as methane, ethane
and propane, in lower condensation temperatures,
around the 20 ºC.

24
In the following drawing you can see a diagram of a
catalytic cracking unit. In this method the hydrocarbons
are heated, adding a catalyst, which allows the long chain
hydrocarbons to be broken into smaller chains allowing
the formation of products such as ethanol, polystyrene,
and gasoline additives. Some of them pass directly to the
petrochemical plants where they have these products
ready to be distributed to the general public, using
different distribution plants around the country.
Because of these characteristics petroleum has the nick
name of black gold. It allows the use of its products in
technology that goes from moving a light motor up to
using it in aviation. For its varied uses, petroleum
produced an exaggerated consumption, that according to
estimates of the Global Reserve standing in 1970, it would Image obtained from: http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/refinery_process.htm
have been consumed completely already. for educational purposes.
Consumption was growing at such a rate, that people thought it was going to be over soon. During World War II, the Germans produced
synthetic petroleum, by hydrogenising the carbon oxide in presence of nickel, and used it in the military tanks which reached central
Russia.

12.3 Importance
Petroleum is still the main source of energy nowadays. The use of other energy sources such as: solar, wind and others does not
represent a significant percentage compared to petroleum use. The world of today is completely dependent of this mixture, which
provides fuels used in transportation means, industry, electricity generation, besides being the raw materials of the production of many
other compounds.

TOPIC EXPLANATION 13. BIOMOLECULES

13.1 Principal types of biomolecules

Biomolecules are those compounds that belong to living organisms. The human beings, as part of the Earth, are formed by elements
which react creating molecules that form part of the human body; these molecules have a specific function which is to keep humans
healthy and alive. The main biomolecules are: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and vitamins.

13.2 Functional groups

In biomolecules you will find functional groups that you already know: alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters of fatty acids and amines. All
of them are distributed in order to form a molecule capable to offer the organism the necessities that it needs to survive.

13.3 Biomolecules groups

Biomolecules can be classified the following way:

13.3.1. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are compounds that facilitate energy. They are formed by carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Its general formula is
Cn(H2O)n. They are primordially polyhydroxy aldehydes or polyhydroxy ketones, which contain the OH and C=O functional
groups.
They are also called sugars or saccharides because they have a sweet flavor.
They are divided into the following groups:

 Monosaccharide
These are the simplest carbohydrates and its main compound is
glucose (C6H12O6), produced in the photosynthesis process, that
after biochemical reactions is transformed in necessary
compounds for plants. Glucose is an aldohexose that is present in
many sweet fruits, such as grapes. Its cyclic structure, as you can
see in the following figure, can experiment an inter-conversion and
present an open or linear chain.
Aside glucose, there are other mososaccharides that can have
three, four or five carbons. The monosaccharides are classified
into: triose, tetrose, pentose, hexose, etc. according to the number Image obtained from: http://www.peoriaendocrine.com/
of carbon atoms they contain. diabetes_lecture.htm Used for educational purposes only.

25
  Disaccharide
These are molecules with two monosaccharides united by oxygen. They are formed from dehydration of two
monosaccharide molecules. Between them you can find saccharose or sugar cane, used commonly in homes and in the
production of many products. Industrially it is obtained from evaporation of sugar cane juice; this process takes place
in the sugar industry and includes the extraction, evaporation, clarification and crystallization. The maltose is obtained
from the starch by a hydrolysis reaction, where the long chain of starch is cracked into two glucose units. The lactose
or milk sugar is obtained by evaporation of whey. The Trehalose is found in fungi and mushrooms, among others.

 Polysaccharides
Are sugars with high molecular weight which contain a great number of monosaccharides. They can contain between
100 to 90,000 units, and their main representatives are the cellulose starches and glycogen.
Starch is produced in plants and it is kept in the seed, which will help at the moment of germination. That is why we
find up to 75% of these molecules in several cereals, such as rice and corn.
If seen in the microscope, starch seems like white grains that when diluted in water they make a colloid solution, in
which the soluble part is called amylase and the insoluble part is called amyl pectin. When they suffer of a partial
hydrolysis they crack into chains of lower molecular weight known as dextrin, used as a crispness enhancer used in the
food industry.
The cellulose is white, amorphous, insoluble in water and resistant to almost every solvent. Natural cellulose contains
wax, fats, and other substances from the plants. In the wood it makes up to 50% of its composition, but in cotton it is
found in 95%. For its physical and chemical characteristics, it is the raw material for the preparation of different
products, such as cellulose triacetate, which is used to produce rayon. The glycogen is distributed in the protoplasm of
the cells, which are located mainly in the liver and muscles. Its structure is branched and with a molecular weight
between the 4’000,000 to 14’000,000, almost 90,000 units of glucose.

13.3.2. Lipids
We know as lipids the energy stored in animals in the form of oils or fats. When they do not have the food needed to generate
energy for their daily needs, the lipids can crack and maintain the cell functioning, which at the same time allow the organs to
perform their functions. They are also found in plants as waxes and oils. Lipids are a mixture of fatty acid esters, denominated
as well as glycerides because they are derived from glycerol. Its physical state depends of the fatty acid structure; when the fat
is a solid, the fatty acid contains saturated chains; when the fat is liquid (oils) the fatty acid contains insaturated chains. The last
ones can be hydrogenated to complete the saturation and make them solid, such as margarines and butters, to which color and
odor is added to make them attractive to consumers.

13.3.3. Proteins
Proteins are substances that give the structure to our body and are necessary for the formation of skin, hair, nails, muscles,
nerves, tendons, blood, enzymes, etc. They can be found as well in animals and, in smaller amount, in plants. They are big
polymers formed by amino acids united by peptide bonds (amides bonds). The main amino acids are shown in the following
table and they can be combined to form a series of proteins with variable characteristics. Some amino acids are produced by
the organism, while others must be consumed. This is why they are known as essential amino acids and when they are not
consumed, severe health problems can arise.
Proteins are classified into fibrous proteins and globular proteins. Fibrous proteins form long chains without branching, they
are insoluble in water but soluble in acid solutions and strong bases. Globular proteins are more complex and they can form
spherical units. Their main function is to produce enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Another way to classify proteins is in
simple and conjugated proteins. The first ones are composed of only a-amino acids, while the second ones are simple proteins
united to other protein groups.

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

ESSENTIAL ESSENTIAL
ABBREVIATION CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
AMINO ACIDS AMINO ABBREVIATION CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
ACIDS
Alanine ALA
Serine SER

Arginine ARG Methionine MET

26
 Asparagine ASP-NH2 Lysine LyS

Leucine LEU
Aspartic acid ASP

Threonine THR
Cysteine CyS

Cystine CyS-CyS Tyrosine TyR

Glutamic acid GLU

Thyroxine Tyl

Histidine HIS

Tryptophan TRP
Phenylalanine PHE

Glutamine GLU-NH2 Valine VAL

The structure in the protein can be:

a. Primary: it is related with the
sequence of the amino acids in
the protein chain.
b. Secondary: it is related with the
repeating local structures of the
chains and is produced by the
different interactions of the
groups in the different chains.

c. Tertiary: it studies the overall

protein chain.
d. Quaternary: it refers to the
interactions, order and folding
between two or more protein
chains. Image obtained from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Main_protein_ structure_levels_en.svg
Used for educational purposes only

The following drawings represent the

different types of protein structures:

Enzymes are important proteins which are distributed in plant and animal tissues. They are biological catalysts and they
intervene in biochemical processes, such as the hydrolysis of proteins, fats and phosphatases. Its job is not done in the whole
molecule, but in one small part called active center.

Hormones are compounds necessary for the functioning of the human body, as well as the animals’. The sexual hormones are
the ones in charge of controlling sexual characteristics and processes. Testosterone is produced in the testicles. It is a hormonal

27
 compound that controls the masculine sexual development. The estradiol controls the female sexual characteristics and the
start of the menstrual cycle. The progesterone prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized ovule. The corticosteroid
regulates several physiological processes such as renal function and body development; and some of these hormones are used
for treating diseases.

13.3.4. Vitamins
Vitamins are biomolecules necessary in order to avoid illnesses, even though you only need milligrams of them during one day.
They are divided into Hydrosoluble, such as Vitamin B and C, and Liposoluble, such as: Vitamin A or retinol which is found in
red colored foods from animal or vegetable origin; it helps with the formation and maintenance of teeth, mucosa and healthy
tissues; Vitamin D is found in dairy products and intervenes in the fixation of calcium and phosphorus; Vitamin E is found in
eggs, oils, green vegetables and cereals. It is an antioxidant that prevents heart problems; Vitamin K intervenes in the
coagulation, for it prevents of heavy bleeding, it is obtained in foods such as liver, oils and dark green vegetables.

1.4 Importance in health

Every biomolecule is a chemical compound vital for the organism. The lack of one of them can provoke health problems in humans or
living organisms. Knowing their function and importance for our body will encourage us to have a well balanced diet. Life is a miracle
obtained by a series of chemical reactions, synchronized perfectly to make life possible.

With carbohydrates we give the organism the necessary energy for daily life. Fats can offer us an energy reserve very important for any
complication in the organism.

By consuming biomolecules we can obtain vitamins that help prevent particular illnesses; proteins are the base for the formation of the
muscles in the organisms.
In fewer words: without biomolecules it would be impossible to say we are in good health.

28