OL Lab 9: Building models of organic compounds
Learning Objectives:
· Build virtual models to learn about the structure of organic compounds
· Draw extended structural formulas of organic compounds
Compounds that are based on the carbon atom are known as organic compounds.
These compounds commonly contain, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen in addition to
carbon. Carbon forms a variety of covalent compounds with varied properties. Carbon
containing compounds are formed by sharing electrons, covalent bonds, between
atoms. Most biomolecules, as well as most drugs, are classified as organic compounds.
In this laboratory exercise, you will build models of organic compounds virtually and
draw the extended structural formula of organic compounds.
Online Modeling Resource: http://molview.org/
Note: Be sure to build each of the compounds as instructed using the online
modeling resource kit. This hands-on experience is an important part of this lab.
You will need to copy the models you build in the virtual modeling resource and
paste the images into this document. Please take the time to explore the
structures of these organic compounds.
Exploration 1: Building models of Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are a diverse group of organic compounds containing carbon and
hydrogen. Hydrocarbons can be linear, branched, or cyclic. Additionally, hydrocarbons
can be saturated, unsaturated or aromatic.
Using the virtual resource build the extended structural formulas of the following
compounds. Copy and paste the images into the space below. Additionally, type in the
condensed structural formula.
Propane Butane
Virtual Model with Extended Structural Virtual Model with Extended Structural
Formula: Formula:
Condensed Structural Formula: Condensed Structural Formula:
C3H8 C4H10
Ethylene Ethyne
Virtual Model with Extended Structural Virtual Model with Extended Structural
Formula: Formula:
Condensed Structural Formula: Condensed Structural Formula:
C2H4 C2H2
Propyne Ethane
Extended Structural Formula: Virtual Model with Extended Structural
Formula:
Condensed Structural Formula: Condensed Structural Formula:
C3H4 C2H6
Exploration 2: Identification of Functional Groups
Part 2A: Building functional groups
Functional groups alter the properties of hydrocarbons.
Using the virtual resource build the extended structural formulas of the following
compounds. Copy and paste the images into the space below.
Alcohol
Ether
Ketone
Carboxylic acid
Aldehyde
Ester
Amine
Part 2B: Identification of functional groups:
Complete the table below by identifying the functional groups and names of the
condensed structural formulas below.
Condensed Structural Name of Functional Name of Organic
Formula Group Molecule
CH3CH2COCH3 Ketone Butanone
CH3CH2CHO Aldehyde Propionaldehyde
CH3OH Alcohol Methanol
CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2NH2 Amine Pentylamine
CH3CH2CH2COOH Carboxylic Butyric Acid
Exploration 3: Building hydrocarbons containing functional groups
Using the virtual resource build the extended structural formulas of the following
compounds. Copy and paste the images into the space below.
Difluoromethane Trichloromethane
Virtual Model with Extended Structural Virtual Model with Extended Structural
Formula: CH2F2 Formula: CHCl3
Tetrachloromethane
Virtual Model with Extended Structural
Formula: CCl4
Propanol
Virtual Model with Extended Structural Formula: C3H8O
Ethanoic Acid
Virtual Model with Extended Structural Formula: C2H4O2
Combine the propanol and the ethanoic acid from the last two exercises to make propyl
ethanoate
Virtual Model with Extended Structural Formula: C5H10O2
Phenol Dimethyl ether
Virtual Model with Virtual Model with
Extended Structural Extended Structural
Formula: C6H6O Formula:
Condensed Structural
Formula: C2H6O
Propanal Hexanoic acid
Virtual Model with Virtual Model with
Extended Structural Extended Structural
Formula: Formula:
Condensed Structural Condensed Structural
Formula: C3H6O Formula: C6H12O2
Ethylamine
Virtual Model with
Extended Structural
Formula:
Condensed Structural
Formula: C2H5NH2
Questions:
1. Write the names of a biomolecule (also known as macromolecules) that contain
each of the functional groups below.
a. Amine - Amino Acids
b. Aldehyde - Cinnamaldehyde
c. Carboxylic Acid – Citric Acid
d. Alcohol - Isopropyl Alcohol
2. Find an example of an ester used as a fragrance or flavoring and give the name,
condensed structural formula, and flavor of your chosen ester.
Benzyl Acetate is an ester that creates a pleasant aroma extremely similar to the flora
aroma of jasmine. Benzyl Acetate’s molecular formula is C9H10O2.
3. For each of the following, give the functional group and application
a. Formaldehyde – Aldehyde, used as a preservative for skin tissue.
b. Ethanol – alcohol, used as a disinfectant, fuel, and antiseptic.
c. Acetone – ketone, used in nail polish remover and paint thinners.
d. Phenol – hydroxyl, used in plastics and in some drugs.
Reflection: Consider what you learned from this simulation. Reflect on three to four
key concepts that you learned in this lab exercise. How could the lessons learned in this
virtual lab relate to a real-world situation in the community/world or your future career?
Be specific in your answer (this should require 5-10 sentences).
In the part 1 lab exercise, we learned about the rules for oxidation states for certain
metals, how to predict the role of elections in the oxidation and reduction of certain
compounds, and how to balance redox reactions in alkaline and acidic environments. In
the part 2 lab exercise, we explored key concepts related to organic compounds. These
compounds primarily consist of carbon atoms, often combined with hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen, and other elements. Carbon’s ability to form stable covalent bonds leads to the
immense diversity of organic molecules. We built virtual models of these compounds,
enhancing our understanding of their three-dimensional structures. Such skills are
valuable in real-world scenarios, where scientists use computer simulations to study
molecular interactions. Lastly, we learned to create extended structural formulas, which
accurately can represent organic molecules if created correctly. Chemists rely on these
formulas to communicate precise chemical structures. Understanding organic
compounds is crucial for fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. As
a future nurse, this knowledge will help me comprehend diseases, drug interactions,
and patient nutrition.
Grading Rubric:
Activity Deliverable Points
Part I: Redox Reactions: Discover how batteries work! 7
Virtual Lab
Part II: Build/draw all hydrocarbons: 5 points 3
Exploration 1:
Part II: Build/draw all functional groups: 3.5 points and 8.5
Exploration 2: complete the table: 5 points.
Part II: Build/draw all organic molecules: 5.5 points, 5.5
Exploration 3:
Part II: End of Complete all questions: 9 points total (Questions 9
lab questions 1 and 3 are 4 points each, question 2 is 1 point)
Part II: Reflection Write a 10-14 sentence laboratory reflection 2
All Lab Complete ALL explorations and reflection 35
Deliverables activities
