Chemistry: Introduction

Chemistry can be divided into five different branches. There is analytical chemistry, which is centered around chemical composition and the development of methods to examine compounds. There is physical chemistry, which is when physics meet chemistry and is centered around the use of physics in chemical reactions (think thermodynamics) . Biochemistry is a massive beast that happens when chemistry goes hand and hand with living organisms.

But, lastly there are the two branches of chemistry that are most important for green chemistry: Organic and Inorganic. As already touched on Organic is with compounds containing carbon, and inorganic is the study of compounds that lack hydrocarbons (carbon). 

Here is a helpful chart!

Now lets talk about Organic Chemistry-

When we think of organic what normally comes to mind? Probably something that involves gardening or food: "organic home grown tomatoes" or "organic free range eggs". The food industry took the term organic from chemists; in chemistry organic takes on a whole different meaning.

A compound gains the title of being organic if it contains carbon. In the past organic compounds were identified as a compound that came from nature, but this definition proved faulty when chemists began to create compounds like urea, in the lab.

Below is the structure for urea, an organic compound. Now when you look at this compound what is the dead give away that is is organic?

^

|

|

OBVIOUSLY THE BEAUTIFUL CARBON RIGHT THERE.

Carbon by itself is a monumentally important element. Why? Because carbon has four electrons that are just dying to form bonds and help carbon gain an Octet (eight electrons). 

Take a look at the lewis structure of this carbon-

This is a lewis structure, the dots represent the lone electrons that are ready to bond

Since carbon can form four bonds, a double bond, or even a triple bond and a single bond, this gives carbon an important role and makes it the perfect element to bond with. Our own planet is covered with carbon based life forms, humans, trees, and animals all have carbon as one of the elements that allows us to be here. Carbon also makes up our fossil fuels such as coal and oil, two things that we as humans need to function in our current society. Carbon also makes up graphite and diamond, we are a race built on the twelfth element.

My Mission:
Over the summer teachers always tell their students to spend their free time wisely; this summer I decided to do something that may actually help my future. I chose to take on an independent study with a Chemistry Professor at a University near home. Now you may ask yourself, "Why Chemistry?", the answer is quite simple. The environment has always had a special place in my heart and every year humans keep destroying the world we call home. In school I instantly took a liking to chemistry with its reactions and elements, my father being a chemist also having a massive influence. This summer my project seemed simple, find a way to mash together the environment and chemistry. While brainstorming and hunting I came across a gold mine of information. Green Organic Chemistry was my solution to my problem.
So my mission? To find out everything possible about Green Chemistry and how the reactions take place. Then to compose a plan to actually conduct a Green Reaction in the lab. The final step is to eventually help my mentor get the program started in her own labs, creating safe environmentally friendly reactions.
Now, a little about me-
I am a senior in high-school, the time where college hunting and passion finding are extremely important. I am hunting for a way to make a change in the world, and this little Chemistry blog of mine is the first step.

NOTE: All information posted on this blog will be from college documents, articles, and scientific journals. Citations will be included and credit will be given were credit is due.