Organic Compounds
Preview Cards
Showing 19 of 19 cards
Formaldehyde (methanal)
- Formula: CH₂O
- Uses:
- Production of resins and plastics (urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde)
- Disinfectant and tissue preservative (formalin solutions)
- Used in textiles, wood products, and industrial chemistry (with safety controls)
Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid)
- Formula: C₃H₆O₃
- Uses:
- Food additive (acidity regulator, preservative, flavoring)
- Used in biodegradable plastics (PLA), cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
- Produced biologically in fermentation and in muscles during anaerobic metabolism
Aniline (phenylamine)
- Formula: C₆H₇N
- Uses:
- Precursor for polyurethane foams (via diisocyanates)
- Used in making dyes, pharmaceuticals, and rubber processing chemicals
- Important intermediate in agrochemicals
Phenol (carbolic acid)
- Formula: C₆H₆O (often written C₆H₅OH)
- Uses:
- Starting material for bisphenol A, phenolic resins, and caprolactam
- Used in disinfectants and antiseptic formulations (historically)
- Intermediate for pharmaceuticals and dyes
Identify this molecule
Caffeine (C₈H₁₀N₄O₂) is a central nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks. It is also an ingredient in some headache and pain-relief medications and is used for sports and cognitive performance enhancement, within safe limits.
Acetic acid (ethanoic acid)
- Formula: C₂H₄O₂ (often written CH₃COOH)
- Uses:
- Main acid in vinegar (dilute solutions)
- Industrial production of vinyl acetate, cellulose acetate, and esters
- Used in food industry, textiles, and as a laboratory reagent
Glycerol (glycerin, propane-1,2,3-triol)
- Formula: C₃H₈O₃
- Uses:
- Humectant and moisturizer in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
- Used in making nitroglycerin, resins, and plasticizers
- Solvent and sweetening agent in syrups and oral formulations
Butane
- Formula: C₄H₁₀
- Uses:
- Fuel in lighters and portable stoves
- Component of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
- Aerosol propellant and petrochemical feedstock
Identify this molecule
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) — a widely used analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory drug.
- Chemical Formula: C₉H₈O₄
- Uses:
- Provides pain relief (analgesic)
- Reduces fever (antipyretic)
- Alleviates inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
- Low-dose therapy for antiplatelet effects, helping to prevent cardiovascular events under medical guidance.
Toluene (methylbenzene)
- Formula: C₇H₈
- Uses:
- Common industrial solvent (paints, coatings, adhesives)
- Feedstock for TNT, benzoic acid, and diisocyanates (polyurethanes)
- Component of gasoline (octane booster)
Ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol)
- Formula: C₂H₆O₂
- Uses:
- Main component of antifreeze and engine coolants
- Precursor for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics and fibers
- Used as a solvent and humectant (with toxicity considerations)
Methanol (methyl alcohol)
- Formula: CH₄O (often written CH₃OH)
- Uses:
- Feedstock for formaldehyde, acetic acid, and other chemicals
- Solvent and antifreeze component
- Used in fuel cells and as an alternative fuel (racing, marine)
Methane
- Formula: CH₄
- Uses:
- Primary component of natural gas fuel
- Feedstock for hydrogen, methanol, and other chemicals
- Used in electricity generation and heating
Propane
- Formula: C₃H₈
- Uses:
- Common fuel gas for heating, cooking, and grilling (LPG)
- Fuel for forklifts, camping stoves, and backup generators
- Used as a refrigerant and as a feedstock in petrochemicals
Acetone (propanone)
- Formula: C₃H₆O
- Uses:
- Widely used organic solvent (nail polish remover, lab solvent)
- Cleaning agent in electronics and laboratories
- Intermediate in production of plastics and other chemicals
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
- Formula: C₂H₆O (often written C₂H₅OH)
- Uses:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Solvent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and lab work
- Fuel and fuel additive (bioethanol, E10/E85 gasoline)
- Disinfectant and antiseptic
Benzene
- Formula: C₆H₆
- Uses:
- Key industrial feedstock for styrene, phenol, aniline, and many aromatics
- Used to make plastics, synthetic fibers, detergents, and drugs
- Formerly used as a solvent (now restricted due to toxicity and carcinogenicity)
Identify this molecule
Ethene (ethylene) is a colorless gas with the chemical formula C₂H₄. It serves as a major petrochemical building block for the production of polyethylene, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol. Additionally, it acts as a plant hormone that promotes fruit ripening and is an intermediate in the synthesis of PVC, antifreeze, and various polymers.
Ethane
- Formula: C₂H₆
- Uses:
- Feedstock for ethylene production (via cracking)
- Indirectly important for making plastics, antifreeze, and solvents
- Minor use as a fuel and in refrigeration research
Study all 19 cards with spaced repetition
Sign up for free and start learning with Flashbake's AI-powered flashcards.