Carbon and Its Compounds — Science Class 10 Notes (CBSE & HBSE)
Free NCERT Science notes for Carbon and Its Compounds (Class 10) on Siksha Sarovar, aligned to CBSE and Haryana Board (HBSE). This chapter is broken into 5 topics with clear explanations, formulas, solved examples and board-pattern practice — free to read, no sign-up required.
Board exam focus — Carbon and Its Compounds (CBSE & HBSE)
An essential unit on Organic Chemistry focusing on Carbon's bonding, nomenclature, and industrial applications. CBSE focuses on nomenclature and chemical properties; HBSE on definitions and soaps.
Bonding and Versatile Nature
Carbon forms covalent bonds by sharing electrons. It is the basis of all life forms.
Why Carbon is Versatile?
- Catenation: The unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon, giving rise to large molecules (chains, branches, rings).
- Tetravalency: Having four valence electrons, it can bond with four other atoms (Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, etc.).
Saturated vs Unsaturated
- Saturated: Compounds with only single bonds between carbon atoms (Alkanes). Generally unreactive.
- Unsaturated: Compounds with double or triple bonds (Alkenes, Alkynes). More reactive.
Hydrocarbons and Homologous Series
Compounds containing only Carbon and Hydrogen are Hydrocarbons.
Classification:
- Alkanes: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ (Single bond, e.g., Methane CH₄).
- Alkenes: CₙH₂ₙ (Double bond, e.g., Ethene C₂H₄).
- Alkynes: CₙH₂ₙ₋₂ (Triple bond, e.g., Ethyne C₂H₂).
Homologous Series
A series of compounds in which the same functional group substitutes for hydrogen in a carbon chain.
- Successive members differ by a -CH₂- group.
- Difference in molecular mass is 14 u.
- Members show a gradation in physical properties but similar chemical properties.
Functional Groups and Nomenclature
Functional groups are atoms or groups of atoms that decide the chemical properties of organic compounds.
Key Functional Groups:
- Halogens: -Cl (Chloro), -Br (Bromo).
- Alcohol: -OH (Suffix: -ol).
- Aldehyde: -CHO (Suffix: -al).
- Ketone: >C=O (Suffix: -one).
- Carboxylic Acid: -COOH (Suffix: -oic acid).
IUPAC Rules:
- Identify the longest carbon chain.
- Identify the functional group.
- Number the chain from the end closer to the group.
- Name accordingly (e.g., Propane + Alcohol = Propanol).
Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
- Properties: Liquid at room temperature, soluble in water.
- Reaction with Na: 2Na + 2CH₃CH₂OH → 2CH₃CH₂ONa (Sodium ethoxide) + H₂.
- Dehydration: Heating with conc. H₂SO₄ gives Ethene.
Ethanoic Acid (CH₃COOH)
- Commonly called Acetic Acid. 5-8% solution in water is Vinegar.
- Esterification: Reaction with ethanol in presence of acid catalyst to form sweet-smelling Esters.
- CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O
- Saponification: Esters react with NaOH to give back alcohol and sodium salt of carboxylic acid (Soap).
Soaps and Detergents
Soaps
Sodium or potassium salts of long-chain carboxylic acids.
- Structure: Hydrophilic head (attracted to water) and Hydrophobic tail (attracted to oil/dirt).
- Micelle Formation: In water, soap molecules cluster with tails pointing inwards towards the dirt, forming a spherical structure called a micelle.
Detergents
Ammonium or sulphonate salts of long-chain carboxylic acids.
- Advantage: Unlike soaps, detergents do not form scum with hard water (water containing Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions). They are effective in both soft and hard water.
Frequently asked questions
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Concept explanations, key formulas and definitions, fully solved examples and board-pattern practice questions for Carbon and Its Compounds.