Introduction

Organic chemistry governs much of what happens everyday all our lives. Though it may seem complex and at times even daunting, I aim to show that it can be easy and fun to learn.

In the first section we will go over the basics of atoms bonding together and their geometry.

In the second section we will cover ways to represent structures of molecules.

In the third section we will begin naming simple molecules, such as alkanes, alcohols, and amines.

In the fourth section we will expand on naming of molecules, introducing things like the molecules' handedness as well as the role of numbers and a handful of Greek letters in molecule names. We will close out with a handy chart of heterocycles.

In the fifth section we will examine the ways molecules change, either by reacting with each other or by means of internal, reversible changes.

In the sixth section we will discuss the way molecules interact with each other via the properties of their functional groups, and how the properties of the functional groups cause the physical and chemical properties of the compounds.

Lastly, in the seventh section, we will examine the molecules of life, including the meaning of protein sequences and DNA sequences, the ways complex carbohydrates are put together, and the various types of lipids (fats and biological oils).

If there is a part that seems too hard to learn, go ahead and skip it; the concepts are all interrelated and I have tried to present them in a linear way, but that is not always possible, consequently, if you come back later and return to a part that was difficult you may find it makes more sense the second time.

Corrections always welcome! Typos and other errors are inevitable in something like this, and I haven't invested in a proofreader. Feel free to reach me at julie at umop dot net.

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