Carbon and its Compounds Class 10 Notes | Science Chapter 4 Class 10 Notes

 

Carbon and its compounds are central to the study of organic chemistry, demonstrating the remarkable adaptability of carbon in forming a diverse array of chemical compounds. Through the "Carbon and its Compounds Class 10 Notes," students will explore the structures, characteristics, and reactions of carbon-based compounds, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, and acids. Key concepts like covalent bonding, homologous series, and functional groups are crucial for understanding the foundations of organic chemistry. These notes provide a structured approach to mastering these concepts, helping students succeed in exams and establish a strong base in carbon chemistry.


Carbon and its Compounds

1. Bonding in Carbon: Covalent Bond

  • Covalent Bonding is when atoms share electrons to achieve stability. Carbon forms covalent bonds to complete its octet.
  • Example: In methane (CH₄), carbon forms covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms.

2. Versatile Nature of Carbon

  • Catenation: Carbon can form long chains by bonding with other carbon atoms. Example: Hydrocarbons like ethane (C₂H₆) and propane (C₃H₈).
  • Tetravalency: Carbon has four valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds. Example: Methane (CH₄).
  • Multiple Bonding: Carbon can form single, double, or triple bonds. Example: Ethene (C₂H₄) has a double bond, and ethyne (C₂H₂) has a triple bond.

3. Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

  • Saturated Hydrocarbons (Alkanes): These contain only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms. General Formula: Câ‚™H₂â‚™₊₂. Example: Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆).
  • Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: These contain double or triple bonds.
    • Alkenes: Hydrocarbons with at least one double bond. General Formula: Câ‚™H₂â‚™. Example: Ethene (C₂H₄).
    • Alkynes: Hydrocarbons with at least one triple bond. General Formula: Câ‚™H₂â‚™₋₂. Example: Ethyne (C₂H₂).

4. Homologous Series

  • A homologous series is a series of organic compounds with the same functional group, similar chemical properties, and a difference of CH₂ in the molecular formula between consecutive members. Example:
    • Methane (CH₄)
    • Ethane (C₂H₆)
    • Propane (C₃H₈)

5. Functional Groups

Functional groups are atoms or groups of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of organic compounds.

Common Functional Groups:

  • Alcohol (-OH): Example: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH).
  • Aldehyde (-CHO): Example: Ethanal (CH₃CHO).
  • Carboxylic Acid (-COOH): Example: Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH).
  • Ketone (-CO-): Example: Propanone (CH₃COCH₃).
  • Halogen (-X): Example: Chloroethane (C₂H₅Cl).

6. Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds

a) Combustion:

Carbon compounds burn in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Example:
CH₄(g) + 2O₂(g) → CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(g) + Energy.

b) Oxidation:

Alcohols are oxidized to acids using oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate. Example:
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) → Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH).

c) Addition Reaction:

In unsaturated hydrocarbons, hydrogen is added in the presence of a catalyst to form saturated hydrocarbons. Example:
C₂H₄(g) + H₂(g) → C₂H₆(g) (Ethene to Ethane).

d) Substitution Reaction:

In saturated hydrocarbons, one hydrogen atom is replaced by a halogen. Example:
CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl (in the presence of sunlight).


7. Important Carbon Compounds: Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid

a) Ethanol (C₂H₅OH):

  • Physical Properties: Colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic smell, soluble in water.
  • Uses: As a solvent, in alcoholic beverages, and as a fuel.
  • Reactions:
    • Combustion:
      C₂H₅OH(l) + 3O₂(g) → 2CO₂(g) + 3H₂O(g) + Energy.
    • Reaction with Sodium:
      2C₂H₅OH(l) + 2Na(s) → 2C₂H₅ONa(aq) + H₂(g).

b) Ethanoic Acid (CH₃COOH):

  • Physical Properties: Colorless liquid with a pungent smell, commonly known as acetic acid (5-8% in vinegar).
  • Reactions:
    • Formation of Esters (Esterification):
      CH₃COOH(l) + C₂H₅OH(l) → CH₃COOC₂H₅(l) + H₂O(l).
    • Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide:
      CH₃COOH(l) + NaOH(aq) → CH₃COONa(aq) + H₂O(l).

8. Soaps and Detergents

a) Soaps:

Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain fatty acids. They clean by forming micelles, which trap dirt and grease. Example: Sodium stearate (C₁₇H₃₅COONa).

b) Detergents:

Detergents are synthetic cleaning agents that work even in hard water, unlike soaps. Example: Sodium lauryl sulfate (C₁₂H₂₅SO₄Na).


In conclusion, carbon and its compounds are essential for a deeper understanding of organic chemistry, thanks to carbon’s exceptional ability to form a wide range of complex molecules. These "Carbon and its Compounds Class 10 Notes" provide a comprehensive explanation of the properties, reactions, and applications of carbon compounds. By mastering these topics, students will be well-equipped for exams and build a strong foundation for future chemistry studies. The notes break down complex subjects, making it easier to appreciate carbon’s critical role in the field of chemistry.