Organic reactions

Organic reactions are chemical reactions involving organic compounds. The basic organic chemistry reaction types are addition reactions, elimination reactions, substitution reactions, pericyclic reactions, rearrangement reactions, and redox reactions. In organic synthesis, organic reactions are used in the construction of new organic molecules. The production of many man-made chemicals such as drugs, plastics, food additives, and fabrics depends on organic reactions.

Overview

Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds that contain carbon in covalent bonding. The study of organic reactions includes the chemical synthesis of natural products, drugs, and polymers, and the study of individual organic molecules in the laboratory and via theoretical (in silico) study.

Types of Organic Reactions

Addition Reactions

In an addition reaction, two or more molecules combine to form a larger molecule. These reactions are typical in alkenes and alkynes, which contain carbon-carbon double and triple bonds, respectively.

Elimination Reactions

Elimination reactions involve the removal of two substituents from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a double or triple bond. These reactions are important in the synthesis of alkenes and alkynes.

Substitution Reactions

In a substitution reaction, one atom or a group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms. Substitution reactions are classified into two main types: nucleophilic substitution and electrophilic substitution.

Pericyclic Reactions

Pericyclic reactions involve the rearrangement of bonds within a molecule by a cyclic redistribution of bonding electrons through a concerted process. Examples include cycloadditions, sigmatropic rearrangements, and electrocyclic reactions.

Rearrangement Reactions

Rearrangement reactions involve the migration of an atom or group within a molecule to form an isomer of the original molecule. These reactions often involve carbocations as intermediates.

Redox Reactions

In redox reactions, the oxidation states of atoms are changed. These reactions are characterized by the transfer of electrons between chemical species. In organic chemistry, redox reactions can involve the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen, among other processes.

Reaction Mechanisms

The mechanism of an organic reaction is a detailed description of the step-by-step process by which reactants are converted into products. Understanding reaction mechanisms is crucial for predicting the outcome of reactions and for designing new synthetic routes for organic synthesis.

Applications

Organic reactions are used in a wide variety of applications, including the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymers. They also play a critical role in the production of dyes, fragrances, and flavors.

See Also

• Organic synthesis
• Catalysis
• Green chemistry
• Medicinal chemistry