Learn about the chemistry of carbon and life. Lectures, notes, structures, and labs are included.
Organic chemistry is more than simply the study of carbon or the study of chemicals in living organisms. Take a look at what organic chemistry is, why it is important, and what organic chemists do.
Find out what elements are in the human body and what these elements do.
Learn some interesting facts about carbon, the element that is the basis for organic chemistry.
Functional groups are groups of atoms found within molecules that are involved in the chemical reactions characteristic of those molecules. Functional groups can pertain to any molecules, but you will usually hear about them in the context of organic chemistry.
See the molecular structures of common drugs, including drugs of abuse. Photos of the drugs themselves are also included.
These are the names and structures of important organic functional groups containing nitrogen or oxygen. Learn 'em, live 'em, love 'em!
Many organic structures, including amino acids and rings, are listed in this directory, with more added all of the time.
These are the structures for the twenty natural amino acids, plus the general structure for an amino acid.
Alkanes are fully saturated hydrocarbons. They are among the first molecules encountered in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Learn how to name straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkanes and how to number them.
As the price of diesel continues to climb, you may wish to consider making your own diesel from cooking oil, called biodiesel. It's easy and could save you money.
Make your chemistry laboratory experience safe by following these simple rules.
Carbohydrates or saccharides are the most abundant class of biomolecules. Carbohydrates are used to store energy, though they serve other important functions as well. This is an overview of carbohydrate chemistry, including a look at the types of carbohydrates, their functions, and carbohydrate classification.
Carbon is an element that is essential for life. The carbon cycle describes the storage and exchange of carbon between the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
Learn about the chemical and biological properties of caffeine, the methylxanthine stimulant found in coffee and other foods.
The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a series of chemical reactions in the cell that breaks down food molecules into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
Glycolysis is the name given to the series of biochemical reactions in which glucose is converted into pyruvate. This important part of carbohydrate catabolism takes place in the cytoplasm of cells. Several reactions take place, with products that are vital to the functioning of the cell.
Learn how to synthesize aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, from salicyclic acid. Get information about the history of aspirin, the effects of salicylates, and see the structures of the reactants.
Photosynthesis is the name for the set of chemical reactions used by plants and other organisms to make food from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Here's a look at the process and study questions to help make sure you understand the key concepts.
See the molecular structures of steroids.
This is a collection of molecular structures of the vitamins.
