Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.

Classification of Organic Compounds with Structure and Examples

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Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.

In other words, we can say that all organic compounds contain carbon as their central atom. We must note that all compounds containing carbon are not considered organic compounds, such as carbonates(-CO3), bicarbonates(-HCO3), etc are carbon-containing compounds but not organic. Whereas we can say with surety that all organic compounds contain carbon atoms but vice versa is not true.

Organic Compounds

Organic Compounds are those chemical compounds that are majorly derived from livings beings. The branch of chemistry which deals with the study of organic compounds is called Organic Chemistry.

The most significant feature of an Organic Compound is that it contains Carbon atoms but not all compounds that have Carbon atom is organic in nature. For Example, CO and CO2 are not organic in nature.

Hence, in order to identify an Organic Compound, we must look that if it contains an open or closed chain of Carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms linked to it or any other atom in place of hydrogen. For Example, CH4 and CCl4 both are organic in nature.

Earlier it was thought that Organic Compounds can only be derived from living things but the major breakthrough happened when Friedrich Wohler in 1828 made the first-ever organic compound in the lab and it was called Urea which has the molecular formula of NH2CONH2. Urea is one of the most important compounds that we use in the agricultural field to fulfill the deficiency of nitrogen in the soil. Not only this, over the period we have developed organic compounds which are helpful and advantageous for industrial purposes and hence mankind. The biodegradable nature, economical feasibility, and easy availability of organic compounds make it important for our daily utilities.

Since there are millions of organic compounds and we can make even more by substituting branched atoms and by simple reactions, it makes us mandatory for us to classify them for our easy understanding.

What is an Organic Compound?

Organic compounds are compounds that are produced by living organisms. They are very useful in all living organisms’ reproduction, development, and working. Organic Compounds have special characteristics, in that they all contain carbon atoms. Carbon has a special property called catenation property which helps it to form long-chained compounds. Carbon has four electrons in its outermost shell so it can form four covalent bonds to complete its octet. Carbon forms covalent bonds with other carbon atoms along with it also form bonds with Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and other atoms.

Examples of Organic Compounds

Some examples of common Organic Compounds are as follows:

  • Methane (CH4): A most Basic organic compound.
  • Ethanol (C2H5OH): A colourless liquid alcohol used as a solvent, and fuel, and also used in alcoholic beverages.
  • Glucose (C6H12O6): A simple sugar that is an essential energy source for living organisms.
  • Amino Acids: Amino acids are building blocks of life which form all the proteins necessary for life to exist.
  • Chlorophyll (C55H72O5N4Mg): Green pigment in plants which gives plants their green colour and help them make food as well.
  • Vitamin C (C6H8O6): Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which is essential for the growth and repair of the human body.
  • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): A complex organic molecule which stores the instruction for life.
  • Polymers: Large molecules made with repeating subunits known as monomers. Some examples include polyethene and polystyrene.

Classification of Organic Compounds

A general classification of the organic compound on the basis of structureis described in the below figure.

Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.

Organic compounds based on their structure are broadly categorized as:

  • Open-Chain Compounds or Acyclic Compounds.
  • Closed-Chain Compounds or Cyclic Compounds.

Acyclic or Open Chain Compounds

When organic compounds are formed by joining carbon atoms in the form of an open chain they are called Open Chain organic compounds. Initially, they are called Aliphatic compounds because they are derived from either animal fats or vegetable fats.

They are further classified as either straight-chain compounds or branched-chain compounds.

Straight Chain Compounds

In straight-chain compounds, the carbon skeleton is in the form of a straight chain. Examples of straight-chain include

  • n-Butane: CH3​−CH2​−CH2​−CH3          

Branched Chain Compounds

In Branched chain compounds the carbon skeleton is in the form of a branched chain. Examples of branch-chain include,

Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.

Cyclic or Closed Chain Compounds

These are the compounds in which carbon atoms are joined to form one or more rings with or without heteroatom. On the basis of heteroatoms in the cycle, they are further classified into two types 

  • Homocyclic Compounds
  • Heterocyclic Compounds

Homocyclic or Carbocyclic Compounds

Homocyclic Compounds are cyclic compounds, in which the ring structure is formed by similar atoms of carbon. They are also called Carbocyclic compounds. No other element besides carbon exists in these compounds. Examples of Homocyclic or Carbocyclic compounds are this compound are benzene, naphthalene, tetracene, and so on.

Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.

They are further classified as,

  • Alicyclic compounds: These compounds show properties similar to those of aliphatic compounds. In these homocyclic compounds, carbon atoms are linked by single bonds only. e.g. Cyclopropane, etc. 
  • Aromatic Compounds: These compounds contain at least one aromatic ring which resembles benzene in their chemical behaviour. e.g. Benzene, etc. Aromatic compounds are further classified into two categories which are discussed further in this article.

Heterocyclic Compounds

These compounds include one or more heteroatoms like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, etc. in the ring of carbon atoms. They are also further divided into two types.

Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.
  • Hetero-alicyclic compounds: Alicyclic compounds which contain at least one heteroatom in the ring are called hetero-alicyclic compounds. e.g. Tetrahydrofuran (THF), etc.
  • Hetero-aromatic compounds: Aromatic compounds which contain at least one heteroatom in the ring are called hetero-aromatic compounds. e.g. Furan, etc.

Hetero-aromatic compounds are classified as benzenoid compounds and non-benzenoid compounds.

Aromatic Compounds

Aromatic Compounds are a special type of organic compound that involves benzene and other ring-related compounds. They are called Aromatic compounds because these compounds carry a specific aroma, which distinguishes them from other organic compounds.

Classification of Aromatic Compounds

Aromatic compounds are highly stable organic compounds and can further be classified into two categories.

  • Benzenoid Aromatic Compounds
  • Non-Benzenoid Aromatic Compounds

Benzenoid Aromatic Compounds

Benzenoid Aromatic compounds are derivatives of benzene. These compounds are distinguished from other organic compounds as they contain one or more than one benzene ring. These compounds can be further arranged on the basis of the benzene rings fused together as

  • Monocyclic
  • Bicyclic
  • Tricyclic

Some examples of these compounds are Phenanthrene, Naphthalene, and Anthracene. 

Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.

Non-Benzenoid Aromatic Compounds

Non-benzenoid Aromatic Compounds consist of other unsaturated rings instead of benzene rings. These compounds are highly stable and some examples of these compounds are Tropolone and Azulene.

Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.

Homologous Series

A homologous series is a set of organic compounds that each include a distinct functional group and differ from one another in the molecular formula by the a-CH2-(methylene) group.

Individual series members are referred to as homologs, and they can be represented by a generic molecular formula. Homologs are ordered in increasing order of molecular mass in homologous series.

The General molecular formula is, CnH2n + 1 (Functional group)

For Example, the homologous series of alcohol is

MemberName
CH3OHMethyl alcohol
C2H5OHEthyl alcohol
C3H7OHPropyl alcohol
C4H9OHButyl alcohol

Note: Ethyl alcohol is higher homologous of methyl alcohol but a lower homolog of propyl alcohol

Characteristics of Homologous Series

The following are the characteristics of homologous series:

  • The same general formula may be used to express homologs.
  • Homologs are members of the same functional group.
  • Because the consecutive components’ chemical formulas change by -CH2-group, their molecular weights differ by 14 units.
  • Homologs can be synthesized using comparable chemical processes.
  • Homologs have chemical characteristics that are identical.
  • Physical characteristics such as melting point, boiling temperature, density, solubility, and so on vary across homologs.

Classification of Organic Compounds based on Functional Group

The functional group is the part of a molecule that influences its chemical characteristics. Every organic molecule’s chemistry, regardless of size or complexity, is defined by the functional group it contains.

Organic compounds are categorized as follows based on their functional group:

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms only. They are the simplest and most abundant organic compounds found in nature and serve as the building blocks for more complex organic molecules. Hydrocarbons are classified into two main groups that are:

  • Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
    • Saturated Hydrocarbons (contain only single bonds between carbon atoms)
    • Unsaturated Hydrocarbons (contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms)
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons
ClassGeneral FormulaFunctional GroupCommon Suffix/prefix (systematic)
AlkanesR – H C – C  -ane
AlkenesR – CH = CH – R C = C  -ene
AlkynesR – C ≡ C – R C ≡ C  -yne
ArenesAr-HOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-ene

Compounds Containing Halogen

Organic halides or organohalides or simply halogenated compounds, are those organic compounds that contain halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. These compounds can be classified further:

  • Alkyl Halides (R-X)
  • Aryl Halides (Ar-X)
ClassGeneral FormulaFunctional GroupCommon Suffix/prefix (systematic)
Alkyl HalidesR – X– X-halide
Aryl HalidesArXOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.halo-

Compounds Containing Oxygen

As carbon and hydrogen are the most abundant elements in the

  • Alcohol (R-OH)
  • Phenol (Ar-OH)
  • Aldehyde (R-CHO)
  • Ether (R-O-R)
  • Carboxylic Acid (R-C(=O)-OH)
ClassGeneral FormulaFunctional GroupCommon Suffix/prefix (systematic)
Alcohols R – OH– OH (hydroxyl)-ol
PhenolsAr – OH– OH (Phenolic)-ol
EthersR – O – R’– C – O – C – ether
AldehydesRCHOOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-al
Carboxylic acidRCOOHOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-ic acid

Carboxylic Acid Derivatives 

Carboxylic acid derivatives are a class of organic compounds that are structurally related to carboxylic acids. They contain a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a heteroatom, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur. 

  • Ketone (R-C(=O)-R)
  • Ester (R-COOR’).
  • Amides (R-CO-NR’R”)
  • Acid Halides (R-CO-X)
  • Anhydride (R-C(=O)-O-C(=O)-R’)
ClassGeneral FormulaFunctional GroupCommon Suffix/prefix (systematic)
KetonesRR’C = OOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-one
EstersRCO2R’Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-ate
AmidesRCONHR’Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-amides
Acid HalidesRCOXOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.Alkyl Halide
AnhydrideRCOOCOR’Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-oic anhydride

Compounds Containing Nitrogen

Nitrogen is the seventh most abundant element in the universe and is present in a wide range of compounds, including amino acids, DNA, and proteins thus compounds containing nitrogen are a diverse and essential class of organic compounds. Some compounds containing nitrogen are:

  • Amines (R-NH2)
  • Cyanide or Nitrile (R-C≡N)
  • Nitro Compounds (R-NO2)
  • Imines (R-C=N-R’)

Learn more about Nitrogen.

ClassGeneral FormulaFunctional GroupCommon Suffix/prefix (systematic)
AminesRNH2 (Primary)
RNHR’ (Secondary)
RNR’R” (Tertiary)		-NH2 
-NH-
-N=		-amine
NitrilesRC ≡ N– C ≡ N-nitrile
Nitro CompoundsArNO2Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.nitro-
IminesR2CNR’Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-imine

Compounds Containing Sulfur

Sulfur-containing compounds are molecules that contain one or more sulfur atoms in their chemical structure. Sulfur is a non-metallic element with the atomic number 16 and is found in many minerals and organic materials. Some organic compounds containing Sulfur are:

  • Thiols (-SH)
  • Sulfides or Thioethers (R-S-R’)
  • Sulfoxides (R-S(=O)-R’)
  • Sulfones (R-S(=O)2-R’)
  • Thiocyanates (R-S-C≡N)
ClassGeneral FormulaFunctional GroupCommon Suffix/prefix (systematic)
ThiolsRSH-SHmercapto-
Sulfides or ThioethersR-S-R’– S –-sulfide
or
alkylthio-
Sulfoxides RSOR’Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-sulfoxides or -sulfinyl-
SulfonesRSOOR’Organic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-sulfonyl-
ThiocyanatesRSCNOrganic compounds are defined as chemical compounds which contain carbon atoms linked with other elements through simple covalent bonds. These elements could be connected by single covalent bonds, double covalent bonds, or triple covalent bonds.-thiocyanate

Note: In above table R – Represents Alkyl group and Ar – represents Aryl group.

Sample Questions on Organic Compounds

Question 1: Write a note on the homologous series.

Answer:

Homologous series is a series of organic compounds containing characteristics functional group and the successive member differ from each other by a -CH2 group.

Organic compounds form homologous series such as alkanes, akenes, alknes, alcohol, amines, etc.

Question 2: What are volatile organic compounds?

Answer:

Volatile organic compounds are specific organic compounds with high vapour pressure and low water solubility. Volatile Organic Compounds are human-made chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.

Question 3: Write the structural formula of the first 4 members of the homologous series of the following compounds

  • Aldehydes
  • Carboxylic acid

Answer: 

Aldehydes

  • H -CHO (methanal)
  • CH3 – CHO (ethanal)
  • CH3 – CH2 – CHO (propanal)
  • CH3 – CH2 – CH2 – CHO (butunal)

Carboxylic Acid

  • H – COOH (methanoic acid)
  • CH3 – COOH (ethanoic acid)
  • CH3 – CH2 – COOH (propanoic acid)
  • CH3 – CH2 – CH2  – COOH (butanoic acid)

Question 4: Why are most organic compounds insoluble in water?

Answer:

Most organic compounds are insoluble in water because they are non-polar molecules and water is a polar solvent.

Question 5: What organic compounds are used in medicine?

Answer:

Organic Compounds used in medicinal products are atorvastatin, fluticasone, and clopidogrel other than that proteins, fats and carbohydrates are also sometimes used as medicines.

Question 6: How to identify an organic compound?

Answer:

Organic compounds can easily be identified by carbon atoms as all organic compounds contain carbon atoms.

Organic Compounds – FAQs

Define Organic Compounds.

Organic compounds are compounds which contain Carbon atoms linked with other atoms through covalent bonds. They are called organic compounds because initially they are derived from organic materials.

What are Some Examples of Organic Compounds?

Some common examples of organic compounds include carbohydrates (such as glucose and fructose), proteins (such as enzymes and hemoglobin), lipids (such as fats and oils), and nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA).

Which is the Essential Element in all Organic Compounds?

Carbon is an essential element in all organic compounds. Other than carbon hydrogen and oxygen are most abundent in the organic compounds.

How are Organic Compounds Classified?

Organic Compounds can be classfied as follows:

  • Aliphatic hydrocarbons
    • Saturated hydrocarbons
    • Unsaturated hydrocarbons
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Compounds Containing Halogen
    • Alkyl Halides (R-X)
    • Aryl Halides (Ar-X)
  • Compounds Containing Oxygen
    • Alcohol (R-OH)
    • Phenol (Ar-OH)
    • Aldehyde (R-CHO)
    • Ether (R-O-R)
    • Carboxylic Acid (R-C(=O)-OH)
  • Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
    • Ketone (R-C(=O)-R)
    • Ester (R-COOR’).
    • Amides (R-CO-NR’R”)
    • Acid Halides (R-CO-X)
    • Anhydride (R-C(=O)-O-C(=O)-R’)
  • Compounds Containing Nitrogen
    • Amines (R-NH2)
    • Cyanide or Nitrile (R-C≡N)
    • Nitro Compounds (R-NO2)
    • Imines (R-C=N-R’)
  • Compounds Containing  Sulfur
    • Thiols (-SH)
    • Sulfides or Thioethers (R-S-R’)
    • Sulfoxides (R-S(=O)-R’)
    • Sulfones (R-S(=O)2-R’)
    • Thiocyanates (R-S-C≡N)

What is the Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds?

Organic compounds are molecules composed of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen and other elements, while inorganic compounds do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Some common examples of inorganic compounds include water, salt, and minerals.

Are all Organic Compounds Safe?

No, not all organic compounds are safe. Some organic compounds can be toxic, carcinogenic, or otherwise harmful to human health and the environment. It is important to handle organic compounds with care and to follow appropriate safety protocols when working with them.

What are the Uses of Organic Compounds?

Organic Compounds are used in a variety of industries such as foods and packaging, biofuel, fossil fuels, drugs-medicine and others.

Er. Neeraj K.Anand is a freelance mentor and writer who specializes in Engineering & Science subjects. Neeraj Anand received a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from N.I.T Warangal & M.Tech Post Graduation from IETE, New Delhi. He has over 30 years of teaching experience and serves as the Head of Department of ANAND CLASSES. He concentrated all his energy and experiences in academics and subsequently grew up as one of the best mentors in the country for students aspiring for success in competitive examinations. In parallel, he started a Technical Publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS" in 2002 and Educational Newspaper "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS" in 2014 at Jalandhar. Now he is a Director of leading publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS", "ANAND CLASSES" and "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS". He has published more than hundred books in the field of Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Information Technology. Besides this he has written many books to help students prepare for IIT-JEE and AIPMT entrance exams. He is an executive member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. USA) and honorary member of many Indian scientific societies such as Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Aeronautical Society of India, Bioinformatics Institute of India, Institution of Engineers. He has got award from American Biographical Institute Board of International Research in the year 2005.

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CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus

CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus is a vast which needs a clear understanding of the concepts and topics. Knowing CBSE Class 11 Chemistry syllabus helps students to understand the course structure of Chemistry.

Unit-wise CBSE Class 11 Syllabus for Chemistry

Below is a list of detailed information on each unit for Class 11 Students.

UNIT I – Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

General Introduction: Importance and scope of Chemistry.

Nature of matter, laws of chemical combination, Dalton’s atomic theory: concept of elements,
atoms and molecules.

Atomic and molecular masses, mole concept and molar mass, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formula, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and calculations based on stoichiometry.

UNIT II – Structure of Atom

Discovery of Electron, Proton and Neutron, atomic number, isotopes and isobars. Thomson’s model and its limitations. Rutherford’s model and its limitations, Bohr’s model and its limitations, concept of shells and subshells, dual nature of matter and light, de Broglie’s relationship, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, concept of orbitals, quantum numbers, shapes of s, p and d orbitals, rules for filling electrons in orbitals – Aufbau principle, Pauli’s exclusion principle and Hund’s rule, electronic configuration of atoms, stability of half-filled and completely filled orbitals.

UNIT III – Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Significance of classification, brief history of the development of periodic table, modern periodic law and the present form of periodic table, periodic trends in properties of elements -atomic radii, ionic radii, inert gas radii, Ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electronegativity, valency. Nomenclature of elements with atomic number greater than 100.

UNIT IV – Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

Valence electrons, ionic bond, covalent bond, bond parameters, Lewis structure, polar character of covalent bond, covalent character of ionic bond, valence bond theory, resonance, geometry of covalent molecules, VSEPR theory, concept of hybridization, involving s, p and d orbitals and shapes of some simple molecules, molecular orbital theory of homonuclear diatomic molecules(qualitative idea only), Hydrogen bond.

UNIT V – Chemical Thermodynamics

Concepts of System and types of systems, surroundings, work, heat, energy, extensive and intensive properties, state functions. First law of thermodynamics – internal energy and enthalpy, measurement of U and H, Hess’s law of constant heat summation, enthalpy of bond dissociation, combustion, formation, atomization, sublimation, phase transition, ionization, solution and dilution. Second law of Thermodynamics (brief introduction)
Introduction of entropy as a state function, Gibb’s energy change for spontaneous and nonspontaneous processes.
Third law of thermodynamics (brief introduction).

UNIT VI – Equilibrium

Equilibrium in physical and chemical processes, dynamic nature of equilibrium, law of mass action, equilibrium constant, factors affecting equilibrium – Le Chatelier’s principle, ionic equilibrium- ionization of acids and bases, strong and weak electrolytes, degree of ionization,
ionization of poly basic acids, acid strength, concept of pH, hydrolysis of salts (elementary idea), buffer solution, Henderson Equation, solubility product, common ion effect (with illustrative examples).

UNIT VII – Redox Reactions

Concept of oxidation and reduction, redox reactions, oxidation number, balancing redox reactions, in terms of loss and gain of electrons and change in oxidation number, applications of redox reactions.

UNIT VIII – Organic Chemistry: Some basic Principles and Techniques

General introduction, classification and IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds. Electronic displacements in a covalent bond: inductive effect, electromeric effect, resonance and hyper conjugation. Homolytic and heterolytic fission of a covalent bond: free radicals, carbocations, carbanions, electrophiles and nucleophiles, types of organic reactions.

UNIT IX – Hydrocarbons

Classification of Hydrocarbons
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons:
Alkanes – Nomenclature, isomerism, conformation (ethane only), physical properties, chemical reactions.
Alkenes – Nomenclature, structure of double bond (ethene), geometrical isomerism, physical properties, methods of preparation, chemical reactions: addition of hydrogen, halogen, water, hydrogen halides (Markovnikov’s addition and peroxide effect), ozonolysis, oxidation, mechanism of electrophilic addition.
Alkynes – Nomenclature, structure of triple bond (ethyne), physical properties, methods of preparation, chemical reactions: acidic character of alkynes, addition reaction of – hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides and water.

Aromatic Hydrocarbons:

Introduction, IUPAC nomenclature, benzene: resonance, aromaticity, chemical properties: mechanism of electrophilic substitution. Nitration, sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel Craft’s alkylation and acylation, directive influence of functional group in monosubstituted benzene. Carcinogenicity and toxicity.

To know the CBSE Syllabus for all the classes from 1 to 12, visit the Syllabus page of CBSE. Meanwhile, to get the Practical Syllabus of Class 11 Chemistry, read on to find out more about the syllabus and related information in this page.

CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Practical Syllabus with Marking Scheme

In Chemistry subject, practical also plays a vital role in improving their academic scores in the subject. The overall weightage of Chemistry practical mentioned in the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry syllabus is 30 marks. So, students must try their best to score well in practicals along with theory. It will help in increasing their overall academic score.

CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Practical Syllabus

The experiments will be conducted under the supervision of subject teacher. CBSE Chemistry Practicals is for 30 marks. This contribute to the overall practical marks for the subject.

The table below consists of evaluation scheme of practical exams.

Evaluation SchemeMarks
Volumetric Analysis08
Salt Analysis08
Content Based Experiment06
Project Work04
Class record and viva04
Total30

CBSE Syllabus for Class 11 Chemistry Practical

Micro-chemical methods are available for several of the practical experiments. Wherever possible such techniques should be used.

A. Basic Laboratory Techniques
1. Cutting glass tube and glass rod
2. Bending a glass tube
3. Drawing out a glass jet
4. Boring a cork

B. Characterization and Purification of Chemical Substances
1. Determination of melting point of an organic compound.
2. Determination of boiling point of an organic compound.
3. Crystallization of impure sample of any one of the following: Alum, Copper Sulphate, Benzoic Acid.

C. Experiments based on pH

1. Any one of the following experiments:

  • Determination of pH of some solutions obtained from fruit juices, solution of known and varied concentrations of acids, bases and salts using pH paper or universal indicator.
  • Comparing the pH of solutions of strong and weak acids of same concentration.
  • Study the pH change in the titration of a strong base using universal indicator.

2. Study the pH change by common-ion in case of weak acids and weak bases.

D. Chemical Equilibrium
One of the following experiments:

1. Study the shift in equilibrium between ferric ions and thiocyanate ions by increasing/decreasing the concentration of either of the ions.
2. Study the shift in equilibrium between [Co(H2O)6] 2+ and chloride ions by changing the concentration of either of the ions.

E. Quantitative Estimation
i. Using a mechanical balance/electronic balance.
ii. Preparation of standard solution of Oxalic acid.
iii. Determination of strength of a given solution of Sodium hydroxide by titrating it against standard solution of Oxalic acid.
iv. Preparation of standard solution of Sodium carbonate.
v. Determination of strength of a given solution of hydrochloric acid by titrating it against standard Sodium Carbonatesolution.

F. Qualitative Analysis
1) Determination of one anion and one cation in a given salt
Cations‐ Pb2+, Cu2+, As3+, Al3+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Mg2+, NH4 +
Anions – (CO3)2‐ , S2‐, NO2‐ , SO32‐, SO2‐ , NO ‐ , Cl‐ , Br‐, I‐, PO43‐ , C2O2‐ ,CH3COO‐
(Note: Insoluble salts excluded)

2) Detection of ‐ Nitrogen, Sulphur, Chlorine in organic compounds.

G) PROJECTS
Scientific investigations involving laboratory testing and collecting information from other sources.

A few suggested projects are as follows:

  • Checking the bacterial contamination in drinking water by testing sulphide ion
  • Study of the methods of purification of water.
  • Testing the hardness, presence of Iron, Fluoride, Chloride, etc., depending upon the regional
    variation in drinking water and study of causes of presence of these ions above permissible
    limit (if any).
  • Investigation of the foaming capacity of different washing soaps and the effect of addition of
    Sodium carbonate on it.
  • Study the acidity of different samples of tea leaves.
  • Determination of the rate of evaporation of different liquids Study the effect of acids and
    bases on the tensile strength of fibres.
  • Study of acidity of fruit and vegetable juices.

Note: Any other investigatory project, which involves about 10 periods of work, can be chosen with the approval of the teacher.

Practical Examination for Visually Impaired Students of Class 11

Below is a list of practicals for the visually impaired students.

A. List of apparatus for identification for assessment in practicals (All experiments)
Beaker, tripod stand, wire gauze, glass rod, funnel, filter paper, Bunsen burner, test tube, test tube stand,
dropper, test tube holder, ignition tube, china dish, tongs, standard flask, pipette, burette, conical flask, clamp
stand, dropper, wash bottle
• Odour detection in qualitative analysis
• Procedure/Setup of the apparatus

B. List of Experiments A. Characterization and Purification of Chemical Substances
1. Crystallization of an impure sample of any one of the following: copper sulphate, benzoic acid
B. Experiments based on pH
1. Determination of pH of some solutions obtained from fruit juices, solutions of known and varied
concentrations of acids, bases and salts using pH paper
2. Comparing the pH of solutions of strong and weak acids of same concentration.

C. Chemical Equilibrium
1. Study the shift in equilibrium between ferric ions and thiocyanate ions by increasing/decreasing
the concentration of eitherions.
2. Study the shift in equilibrium between [Co(H2O)6]2+ and chloride ions by changing the
concentration of either of the ions.

D. Quantitative estimation
1. Preparation of standard solution of oxalic acid.
2. Determination of molarity of a given solution of sodium hydroxide by titrating it against standard
solution of oxalic acid.

E. Qualitative Analysis
1. Determination of one anion and one cation in a given salt
2. Cations – NH+4
Anions – (CO3)2-, S2-, (SO3)2-, Cl-, CH3COO-
(Note: insoluble salts excluded)
3. Detection of Nitrogen in the given organic compound.
4. Detection of Halogen in the given organic compound.

Note: The above practicals may be carried out in an experiential manner rather than recording observations.

We hope students must have found this information on CBSE Syllabus useful for their studying Chemistry. Learn Maths & Science in interactive and fun loving ways with ANAND CLASSES (A School Of Competitions) App/Tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus

Q1

How many units are in the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus?

There are 9 units in the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus. Students can access various study materials for the chapters mentioned in this article for free at ANAND CLASSES (A School Of Competitions).

Q2

What is the total marks for practicals examination as per the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus?

The total marks for the practicals as per the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus is 30. It includes volumetric analysis, content-based experiment, salt analysis, class record, project work and viva.

Q3

Which chapter carries more weightage as per the CBSE Syllabus for Class 11 Chemistry?

The organic chemistry chapter carries more weightage as per the CBSE Syllabus for Class 11 Chemistry.

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