Study common organic compounds and explore what simple compounds contain. Learn types of common organic compounds, with examples, and how they are classified.
Updated: 12/05/2021
Common Organic Compounds, Formulas, & Examples
Common Organic Compounds
What do organic compounds contain? All organic compounds are carbon-containing compounds. With that being said, is carbon dioxide an organic compound? No; organic compounds are carbon-containing compounds but not all carbon-containing compounds are organic compounds. The main elements of organic compounds are carbon and hydrogen atoms. If the skeletal structure of a compound was composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms covalently bonded, then the compound of interest is indeed organic. The carbon atom is capable of forming four covalent bonds with other atoms; it has a total of four valence electrons in its highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Carbon is the building block of many complex compounds; its ability to form four chemical bonds with other atoms makes it capable of forming complex molecules.
There are more than nine million known organic compounds; this is due to carbons' ability to form bonds with other atoms and other C atoms. The nine million organic compounds are classified into homologues series. Homologues series is a sequence or a class of organic compounds that share similar properties, structures, and functional groups. The most fundamental way of classifying organic compounds is segregating those that are made of entirely hydrogens and carbons from those that contain elements other than hydrogens and carbons. Compounds that are made of other elements in addition to C and H atoms can be put into smaller and more specific boxes according to their functional groups, structure, and so on. Hydrocarbons are compounds that are exclusively made of H and C atoms. They can be further categorized according to their structure (cyclic, linear, or branched), type of {eq}C-C {/eq} bonds (single, double, or triple) and so on.
Organic compounds can either be cyclic compounds, which are closed-loop compounds that have a ring-like structure, linear compounds, or branched compounds. Linear compounds are open-chain compounds with snake-like structures. Branched compounds are also open-chain but with branches of C atoms attached to the carbon chain.
Organic Compounds
What are some of the first thoughts that pop into your mind when you hear the word 'organic?' You probably have thoughts of wholesome or pure foods. Now if you were to ask that same question to a chemist, the thoughts would likely be of organic compounds, which are any molecules that are composed of the element carbon. Carbon is the main element in all organic compounds. Not sure what we're talking about yet? Well, let's see if I can help out with that. Ladies, what are your best friends? Diamonds! Diamonds are a pure, crystalline carbon. What did you use on every scantron test you ever took? A pencil! The graphite in pencils is pure carbon as well. I think you get the picture now.
Organic compounds are the basis of the carbon cycle of Earth. The carbon cycle includes various biogeochemical processes that transfer carbon between living and non-living systems. The carbon cycle has existed for billions of years and is crucial to the continuity of life as we know it. That means that carbon is a very important element and organic compounds are very important compounds. But why exactly are they so important? The main reason for the value of carbon is that it can form four bonds at once, allowing it to form complex, flexible molecules.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are common organic compounds. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules that are made of carbon and hydrogen atoms only. These chemicals are the simplest carbon-based molecules. The general properties of hydrocarbons are the following:
- They are nonpolar molecules; the electronegativity difference between C and H is very small. This means the distribution of electrons in the C-H bonds is quite even.
- They generally have low boiling and melting points; not much energy is required to break their weak intermolecular forces.
- Their boiling and melting points increase as the hydrocarbon molecule becomes bulkier (as the number of C atoms in the hydrocarbon increase).
- They do not dissolve in water nor in any polar solvent.
Hydrocarbons can be categorized according to the type of C-C bonds as the following:
- Alkanes, which only contain {eq}C-C {/eq} single bonds.
- Alkenes, which contain at least one {eq}C=C {/eq} double bond.
- Alkynes, which contain at least one {eq}C \equiv C {/eq} triple bond.
Alkanes
Alkanes are simple organic compounds whose carbon atoms are bonding together with a single bond {eq}C_1-C_2 {/eq}. The covalent bond between {eq}C_1 {/eq} and {eq}C_2 {/eq} is formed through the sharing of a single electron pair. The organic compound formula for alkanes is {eq}C_nH_{2n+2} {/eq}, where n is an integer number that shows the number of atoms for each element. The simplest organic compound and the simplest alkane is a single carbon atom bonding with four hydrogen atoms, methane {eq}CH_4 {/eq}. Methane is a popular hydrocarbon that is used in various applications, including the burning of fuel in automobile engines, stoves, and much more. The second simplest alkane is ethane {eq}C_2H_6 {/eq}. The table shows the common alkanes and their primary function.
| Name | Formula | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Propane | C3H8 | Home and water heating |
| Butane | C4H10 | Lighter fuel |
| Pentane | C5H12 | Manufacturing of blowing agents |
| Hexane | C6H14 | Additive in consumer items like glue |
Alkenes
Alkenes are organic compounds that have at least one {eq}C=C {/eq} triple bond. The bonds between the carbon atoms in C=C are formed when the carbons share two pairs of their electrons. Their molecular formula is {eq}C_nH_{2n} {/eq}. The simplest alkene molecule is composed of two carbon atoms; there needs to be at least two carbons for the {eq}C=C {/eq} double bond to happen. Ethene {eq}C_2H_4 {/eq} is the simplest alkene, it is used in the synthesis of various organic chemicals. Figure 2 shows two examples of alkenes: propene and 1-butene. Propene is the second simplest alkene. It is used in enhancing the octane rating of gasoline.
Alkynes
Alkynes are carbon-based organic compounds that consist of at least one {eq}C \equiv C {/eq} triple bond. The triple bond is formed by the mutual sharing of three electron pairs. The compound formula of alkynes is {eq}C_nH_{2n-2} {/eq}. Ethyne is the simplest alkyne; it is made of two carbons and two hydrogen atoms {eq}C_2H_2 {/eq}. Ethyne, also known as acetylene, is used as a preservative and an artificial ripening agent for fruits. Figure 3 shows other examples of alkynes. Notice that the triple bond can either be terminal (propyne and 1-pentyne) or central (2-butyne).
Cyclic Hydrocarbons
Cyclic hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons whose carbons are linked together to form a closed ring. The properties of cyclic hydrocarbons are quite similar to their linear counterparts (e.g. propane and cyclopropane). However, it has been observed that cyclic compounds have higher boiling and melting points than their linear counterparts. The simplest cyclic hydrocarbon is cyclopropane {eq}C_3H_6 {/eq}, it is as a general anesthetic. Alkanes and alkenes are able to form cyclic compounds. Alkynes can form cyclic compounds only if the carbon ring was large enough (contains many C atoms). Small alkynes are not capable of forming stable cyclic compounds due to their triple bonds steric hindrance.
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Aromatic hydrocarbons are close chained hydrocarbons that consist of alternating single and double bonds, conjugated bonds. These cyclic compounds are resonance stabilized; the electron cloud delocalizes constantly as a result of the ring's conjugated nature. Aromatic hydrocarbons have a very pleasant aromatic odor. There is no consistent taste for aromatic hydrocarbons; some are tasteless, some are bitter, and so on. Benzene {eq}C_6H_6 {/eq} is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, it is used in the manufacturing of lubricants, detergents, drugs, and more. Styrene, toluene, and n-butylbenzene are all examples of benzene-based aromatic hydrocarbons.
Alcohols
Alcohols are organic molecules whose functional group is the hydroxyl group {eq}-OH {/eq}. The hydroxyl group can be attached to any carbon chain; it can be bonded with an alkane, alkene, alkyne, cyclic compounds, and even aromatic rings. Alcohols generally have no odor and some have a bitter taste. Small alcohol molecules like methanol {eq}CH_3OH {/eq} are polar and water-soluble. The hydroxyl group is the main contributor to the polarity of some alcohols. Phenol {eq}C_6H_5OH {/eq} is an example of an aromatic alcohol; it is basically a benzene ring attached to a hydroxyl group. Methanol is the simplest alcohol that is used as the building block of many compounds. Propanol is an example of an alkene alcohol.
Other Examples of Common Organic Compounds
What is an example of an organic compound? There are plenty of organic compounds, even in living organisms and in the human body. Acetyl dehydrogenases and acetic acid are both examples of organic compounds. The following list summarizes other examples of common organic compounds.
- Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleotides are the essential organic compounds present in the human body.
- Traces of aniline, which is an organic aromatic compound, is found in black tea, apples, corn, and grains.
- Fructose is a sugar substitute and an organic compound. It is naturally occurring in many plants and fruits.
- Lactose and maltose are natural organic molecules present in milk and dairy products.
- Cyclohexane is a cyclic hydrocarbon that is produced from volcanic eruptions.
Lesson Summary
Organic compounds are carbon and hydrogen-based molecules. Diamond is made of carbon but it is not considered an organic compound because it lacks C-H in its structure. The main elements that make organic compounds are carbon and hydrogen. Carbons have four valence electrons in their outermost orbital; they are capable of forming a total of four covalent bonds with other atoms. Carbon's ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms and other elements is the reason why there are more than nine million known organic compounds. These nine million organic compounds are arranged in homologues series, which is a sequence of organic compounds that possess similar properties, functional groups, and structures. Organic molecules that are exclusively made of carbon and hydrogen atoms are hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are classified into the following:
- Alkanes, which are hydrocarbons that only contain {eq}C-C {/eq} bonds. The general formula of alkanes is {eq}C_nH_{2n+2} {/eq}. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon.
- Alkenes, which are hydrocarbons that contain one or more {eq}C=C {/eq} bonds. Their formula is {eq}C_nH_{2n} {/eq}. Ethene is the simplest alkene.
- Alkynes, which are hydrocarbons that contain one or more {eq}C \equiv C {/eq} bonds. Their general formula is {eq}C_nH_{2n-2} {/eq}. Ethylene or acetylene is the simplest alkyne molecule.
The carbon atoms in cyclic hydrocarbons are linked together in a closed loop. The structure of such hydrocarbons is ring-like. Aromatic hydrocarbons are cyclic compounds whose rings are made of alternating single and double bonds, conjugated bonds. Alcohols are organic molecules that contain the hydroxyl group {eq}-OH {/eq}. Acetic acids, carbohydrates, and acetyl dehydrogenases are all examples of organic molecules. They are not, however, classified as hydrocarbons; they contain additional elements different from carbon and hydrogen.
Types and Groups
Let's discuss the simpler types of organic compounds. Simple organic compounds are usually the chemical byproducts of life. Many of these simple organic compounds react strongly with oxygen, causing them to burn rapidly and at a high temperature. Most are even combustible.
You know more about these organic compounds than you think you do. Any time you let one rip, you know, pass gas, especially the really smelly ones, you're emitting methane, which is a simple organic compound. Every time you put gas in your car, you're filling the tank with highly refined waste from organisms that lived and died hundreds of millions of years ago. Gasoline is a mixture of various organic molecules. The kinds of molecules found in methane and gasoline contain only hydrogen and carbon. Organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon are called hydrocarbons.
There are many different groups of hydrocarbons. The three main groups of hydrocarbons are based on whether the carbon of the compound has single, double, or triple bonds. The names of the hydrocarbon groups are similar and may be easily confused. You may find it helpful to create flashcards with the name of the group on one side and the main details about the group on the other side. Study these often.
Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes
Our first group of hydrocarbons, alkanes, have single covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Covalent bonds are bonds where electrons are shared between bonding atoms. Hydrogen atoms also bond with the carbon atoms, so the general molecular formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms. The simplest alkane and, in fact, the simplest organic compound, is methane. Methane contains one carbon atom, so the number of hydrogen atoms must be (2 x 1 + 2 = 4). So methane's chemical formula is CH4.
Our second group of hydrocarbons, alkenes, are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon double bond. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n. Ethylene, the simplest alkene, is C2H4. Ripe fruit emits ethylene, which hurries the ripening of other nearby fruit. This is why some food companies use ethylene to artificially ripen fruits. Ethylene is your good friend in other ways as well. You're able to use your car on a freezing winter day thanks to ethylene, which makes up ethylene glycol, the main component in antifreeze.
Our third group of hydrocarbons, alkynes, are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon triple bond. The general formula is CnH2n-2. Acetylene, also called ethyne, is the simplest alkyne, with the formula C2H2. Oxyacetylene was likely a player in putting together the car you drive or the playground equipment your children play on, since it is commonly used in welding torches. Now that we have a grasp on the simple organic compounds, you'll be able to gain an understanding on the much more complex organic compounds. Their importance in your life will become evident very quickly.
Lesson Summary
We learned that there is so much behind the mean of organic compounds, which are any molecules that are composed of the element carbon. Organic compounds are the basis of Earth's carbon cycle. The next thing we learned is organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon are called hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are grouped according to the number of covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Covalent bonds are bonds where electrons are shared between bonding atoms. The first group is the alkanes, which are hydrocarbons with only single covalent bonds between the carbon atoms. The general molecular formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2. An example is the simplest alkane, with the formula CH4, which is methane. The next group is the alkenes, which are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon double bond. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n. Ethylene is the simplest alkene, with the formula C2H4. The last group is the alkynes, which are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon triple bond. The general formula is CnH2n-2. Acetylene, also called ethyne, is the simplest alkyne, with the formula C2H2.
Quick Review
- One example of an organic compound is a hydrocarbon, which is formed with hydrogen and carbon.
- Simple organic compounds react strongly with oxygen.
- There are three types of hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
Learning Outcomes
You can expect to finish this lesson on simple organic compounds with the ability to:
- Recognize the definition and importance of organic compound
- Analyze the groups and types of organic compounds
- Discuss the process by which hydrocarbons are formed and describe the three types
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Video Transcript
Organic Compounds
What are some of the first thoughts that pop into your mind when you hear the word 'organic?' You probably have thoughts of wholesome or pure foods. Now if you were to ask that same question to a chemist, the thoughts would likely be of organic compounds, which are any molecules that are composed of the element carbon. Carbon is the main element in all organic compounds. Not sure what we're talking about yet? Well, let's see if I can help out with that. Ladies, what are your best friends? Diamonds! Diamonds are a pure, crystalline carbon. What did you use on every scantron test you ever took? A pencil! The graphite in pencils is pure carbon as well. I think you get the picture now.
Organic compounds are the basis of the carbon cycle of Earth. The carbon cycle includes various biogeochemical processes that transfer carbon between living and non-living systems. The carbon cycle has existed for billions of years and is crucial to the continuity of life as we know it. That means that carbon is a very important element and organic compounds are very important compounds. But why exactly are they so important? The main reason for the value of carbon is that it can form four bonds at once, allowing it to form complex, flexible molecules.
Types and Groups
Let's discuss the simpler types of organic compounds. Simple organic compounds are usually the chemical byproducts of life. Many of these simple organic compounds react strongly with oxygen, causing them to burn rapidly and at a high temperature. Most are even combustible.
You know more about these organic compounds than you think you do. Any time you let one rip, you know, pass gas, especially the really smelly ones, you're emitting methane, which is a simple organic compound. Every time you put gas in your car, you're filling the tank with highly refined waste from organisms that lived and died hundreds of millions of years ago. Gasoline is a mixture of various organic molecules. The kinds of molecules found in methane and gasoline contain only hydrogen and carbon. Organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon are called hydrocarbons.
There are many different groups of hydrocarbons. The three main groups of hydrocarbons are based on whether the carbon of the compound has single, double, or triple bonds. The names of the hydrocarbon groups are similar and may be easily confused. You may find it helpful to create flashcards with the name of the group on one side and the main details about the group on the other side. Study these often.
Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes
Our first group of hydrocarbons, alkanes, have single covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Covalent bonds are bonds where electrons are shared between bonding atoms. Hydrogen atoms also bond with the carbon atoms, so the general molecular formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms. The simplest alkane and, in fact, the simplest organic compound, is methane. Methane contains one carbon atom, so the number of hydrogen atoms must be (2 x 1 + 2 = 4). So methane's chemical formula is CH4.
Our second group of hydrocarbons, alkenes, are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon double bond. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n. Ethylene, the simplest alkene, is C2H4. Ripe fruit emits ethylene, which hurries the ripening of other nearby fruit. This is why some food companies use ethylene to artificially ripen fruits. Ethylene is your good friend in other ways as well. You're able to use your car on a freezing winter day thanks to ethylene, which makes up ethylene glycol, the main component in antifreeze.
Our third group of hydrocarbons, alkynes, are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon triple bond. The general formula is CnH2n-2. Acetylene, also called ethyne, is the simplest alkyne, with the formula C2H2. Oxyacetylene was likely a player in putting together the car you drive or the playground equipment your children play on, since it is commonly used in welding torches. Now that we have a grasp on the simple organic compounds, you'll be able to gain an understanding on the much more complex organic compounds. Their importance in your life will become evident very quickly.
Lesson Summary
We learned that there is so much behind the mean of organic compounds, which are any molecules that are composed of the element carbon. Organic compounds are the basis of Earth's carbon cycle. The next thing we learned is organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon are called hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are grouped according to the number of covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Covalent bonds are bonds where electrons are shared between bonding atoms. The first group is the alkanes, which are hydrocarbons with only single covalent bonds between the carbon atoms. The general molecular formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2. An example is the simplest alkane, with the formula CH4, which is methane. The next group is the alkenes, which are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon double bond. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n. Ethylene is the simplest alkene, with the formula C2H4. The last group is the alkynes, which are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms joined by at least one carbon triple bond. The general formula is CnH2n-2. Acetylene, also called ethyne, is the simplest alkyne, with the formula C2H2.
Quick Review
- One example of an organic compound is a hydrocarbon, which is formed with hydrogen and carbon.
- Simple organic compounds react strongly with oxygen.
- There are three types of hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
Learning Outcomes
You can expect to finish this lesson on simple organic compounds with the ability to:
- Recognize the definition and importance of organic compound
- Analyze the groups and types of organic compounds
- Discuss the process by which hydrocarbons are formed and describe the three types
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
- Activities
- FAQs
Organic Compounds in Chemistry
Organic compounds are prevalent in our everyday life, whether it pertains to materials, food sources, or electronics we use routinely. Often, the word organic reminds you of the produce section at a local grocery store and is often misleading. The term organic implies that the compound contains carbon, the sixth element on the periodic table, bonded to a hydrogen atom. Carbon typically can bond four times which may include a single, double, or triple bond to other elements so different configurations of atoms are possible in differentiating between organic compounds.
Questions
1. Methane is used as a natural gas or fuel source and its chemical formula is CH4. Using the formula for methane, determine if it is an organic compound and explain why or why not.
2. Table salt, NaCl, is used for cooking and other purposes and is readily available in your home or from a local store. Is NaCl an organic compound? Explain why or why not.
3. Glucose is a simple sugar and is important in the food industry as well in health care. The chemical formula for glucose is C6 H12 O6. Is glucose an organic compound? Explain why or why not.
4. Carbon dioxide, CO2 , is a colorless and odorless gas often known as a product of burning organic compounds. Is carbon dioxide an organic compound? Explain why or why not.
Discussion
1. Methane is an organic compound because it contains the element carbon which is bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
2. No, it is not an organic compound because it does not contain carbon.
3. Yes, glucose is an organic compound because it contains hydrocarbons (carbons bonded to hydrogen).
4. No, even though carbon dioxide contains carbon, it does not have a carbon-hydrogen bond and is therefore an inorganic compound.
What are the 5 main organic compounds?
Organic compounds are classified according to their structure, functional group, and type of C-C bonds. The following are the main common organic compounds:
- Benzene
- Methane
- Acetylene or ethyne
- Methanol
- Toluene
What are the common organic compounds found at home?
Most of the organic compounds found at home are either consumer products additives or fuel for heaters and stoves. Propane is the fuel used for heating water. Lighters are loaded with the fuel butane. Hexane is an additive in many home items like glues.
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Common Organic Compounds Formulas & Examples | What are Common Organic Compounds?
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