Chapter 1.4, Problem 3QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The four hydrogen atoms that are bonded to central carbon atom in methane lie in the corners of what geometry has to be identified from the given set of options.

Concept Introduction:

Organic compounds are the important basis of life.  They include gasoline, coal, dyes, and clothing fibers etc.  The compounds that are obtained from living organisms are termed as organic compounds and those obtained from the earth are known as inorganic compounds.  Organic compounds are found in earth also apart from living organisms.  All the organic compounds contain the element carbon.  Urea was synthesized in the laboratory which is an organic compound.

Hydrocarbons are the organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon atoms.  Hydrocarbon derivatives are the one in which the compounds contain hydrogen and carbon atoms along with one or more additional elements.  The additional elements that can be present in hydrocarbon derivatives are oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, bromine etc.

The geometry of the carbon atom in each compound can be identified by viewing in three-dimension.  When we consider alkane, the carbon atoms will have four bonds.  The geometry of the carbon atom is tetrahedral because, this will have the less strain compared to other geometries.  This is the fundamental in aspects of organic chemistry.