Organic Chemistry: Synthesis

Section 1: Types and Reactions of Organic Compounds

Organic chemistry deals with the study of carbon-based compounds, including hydrocarbons and their various derivative forms.
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed only of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They come in different forms: Alkanes (single bonds), Alkenes (double bonds), and Alkynes (triple bonds).
Alkanes undergo substitution reactions due to their saturation, while alkenes and alkynes, being unsaturated, can undergo addition reactions.
Other types of organic compounds include Alcohols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines and many more. Each type has distinct chemical properties and undergoes specific reactions accordingly.

Section 2: Organic Synthesis

Organic synthesis is a process where simple organic molecules are combined to build complex molecules.
The desired product of an organic synthesis is referred to as the target molecule. The starting molecules are called reactants or substrates.
Organic synthesis often involves a sequence of reactions, each with its own reagents and conditions, to create complex molecular structures.
Steps in a synthesis include reactions for building carbon skeletons, functional group interconversions, and reactions to attach or remove protecting groups.
Synthesis requires careful planning, considering factors like reaction efficiency, yield, cost, safety, and environmental impact.

Section 3: Principles of Stereochemistry

Stereochemistry looks at the spatial arrangement of atoms and groups in a molecule.
The two types of stereochemistry are conformational isomerism and configurational isomerism.
Chiral molecules are molecules that cannot be superimposed on their mirror images, similar to left and right hands. They showcase the concept of optical isomerism, which comes under configurational isomerism.

Section 4: Understanding Polymerisation

Polymers are large molecules made up from small repeating units called monomers.
Two types of polymerisation include addition polymerisation, where double bonds in the monomer molecules break and molecules join together to form a long chain, and condensation polymerisation, which involves two different types of monomers that combine and form a chain, loosing a small molecule (like water) in the process.

Section 5: Introduction to Green Chemistry

Green Chemistry or sustainable chemistry involves designing chemical processes and products to reduce or eliminate the use and production of hazardous substances.
This is an integral part of modern chemistry, and applies principles such as waste prevention, use of renewable feedstocks, energy efficiency, and safer solvents to chemical synthesis.
Green chemistry aims to reduce the environmental impact of chemistry, making it more sustainable for future generations.