Last updated 7-10-09
<-Building Blocks <-CHM130 <-CHM107

Building Organic Compounds
QUIZ

#1: What element is in all organic compounds?
#2. Hydrocarbons are the simplest of all organic compounds, but which hydrocarbon is the simplest?

#3. Building blocks have to connect to other blocks. In the picture we see oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Looking at the number of outer electrons each have and the number of vacancies each have...
A) ...what is the maximum of atoms each can connect to?

B) Which element is the most versatile then?

#4: To the right are all alcohols. What is required for a compound to be called an alcohol?
#5: To the right are some of the smaller organic acids, with formic acid being the smallest. We've all been bitten by ants, and know it hurts. Ironically, formic acid is used as an insecticide, but for bee mites, not ants (that would be too ironic). Many birds hunt for formic acid. Do a Web search for bird anting and report what that is and why birds like formic acid.
#6. Creating flavors is a big industry and two of our organic compounds (alcohols and organic acids) are common ingredients. Here we see how ethanol (drinking alcohol) and butyric acid combine to make a pineapple flavor. I like the aroma of pineapple and that of ethanol. But what does butyric acid smell like?

#7. We often hear consumers complain about artificial flavors, but most products still have them. Visit the below link and read enough to come up with three reasons why artificial flavors are so common despite the complaints.

 
http://www.uefap.co.uk/reading/exercise/kavaler/kavaler6.htm

#8.Collagen is a great example of building blocks. With just these three amino acids that repeat, it forms long twisted strands (a triple helix). About one quarter of all of the protein in your body is collagen.
8a)What parts of the body use collagen?
8b) What is special about the places where I circled "H" and "OH"?
#9. To the right is a summary of what elements are needed to make each category of organic compounds. There is just one error. RNA and DNA only need five of the six elements. Which element is not needed?
<-Building Blocks <-CHM130 <-CHM107

Since Oct 8, 2004