Carbon compounds are vital in various fields, including biology, industry, and everyday life. This section discusses some essential carbon compounds, their properties, and their applications.

4.4.1 Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made entirely of hydrogen and carbon. They are classified into:

• Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds. Example: Methane (CH₄), used as a fuel and in the production of ammonia.
• Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond. Example: Ethylene (C₂H₄), used in the production of plastics and as a plant hormone.
• Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one triple bond. Example: Acetylene (C₂H₂), used in welding and cutting metals.

4.4.2 Alcohols

Alcohols are organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups. They are classified based on the number of -OH groups:

• Monohydric Alcohols: Contain one -OH group. Example: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH), commonly used as a solvent and in beverages.
• Polyhydric Alcohols: Contain two or more -OH groups. Example: Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃), used in food and pharmaceuticals.

4.4.3 Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids contain one or more carboxyl (-COOH) groups:

• Example: Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), known as vinegar, used in cooking and as a preservative.
• Carboxylic acids are known for their acidic properties and are involved in various biochemical processes.

4.4.4 Esters

Esters are formed from the reaction of alcohols and carboxylic acids:

• Example: Ethyl acetate (CH₃COOCH₂H₅), used as a solvent in paints and coatings.
• Esters are known for their pleasant fragrances and are used in flavoring and perfumery.

4.4.5 Amines

Amines are derivatives of ammonia (NH₃) where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups:

• Example: Methylamine (CH₃NH₂), used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
• Amines can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the number of carbon groups attached to the nitrogen atom.

4.4.6 Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, containing both amino (-NH₂) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups:

• Example: Glycine (NH₂CH₂COOH), the simplest amino acid, important in protein synthesis.
• Amino acids play crucial roles in metabolism and are essential for the growth and repair of tissues.

4.4.7 Glucose

Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) and an important energy source for living organisms:

• Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆
• Glucose is a primary product of photosynthesis and is vital for cellular respiration.

4.4.8 Polymers

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units (monomers). Carbon-based polymers are significant in various applications:

• Example: Polyethylene, used in plastic bags and bottles.
• Polymers can be natural (like cellulose and proteins) or synthetic (like nylon and polyester).