Organic Compounds In Everyday Life (SCH4U)

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Organic Compounds in Society

Acids

created by: Tianna Straatman

Artificial Sweeteners

Acids are commonly found as an additive in processed foods to create a sour/acidic taste; used to balance the additional sweetness found in other compounds that have been pumped through. Examples of these acids include:

Tartaric Acid, produced naturally by grapes, bananas and tamarinds, it is primarily used in wine during the fermentation of grapes and it also doubles as an antioxidant.6

Molecular Formula: C4H6O6

IUPAC name: 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid

Additionally used in many food products are artificial sweeteners. These are usually found in conjunction with the above mentioned acids in order to create a flavour balance. The most common example of an organic compound marketed as an artificial sweetener is saccharin. Found to be 200-700 times sweeter than naturally occurring sugars, saccharin has also been linked to cases of severe bladder cancer in rats.

Molecular Formula: C7H5NO3S

IUPAC name: C7H5NO3S

Also used to create an acidic/sour taste is citric acid. It is also known for its excellent preservative and conservative properties. Citric acid is commonly found in many products to prevent congealing as well as sucrolose crystalization.

Molecular Formula: C6H8O7.

IUPAC name: 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid

Finally, found in almost 80 percent of the food produced in the United States, is high fructose corn syrup. HFCS is a glucose syrup manufactured from corn starch with an extremely increase fructose content-- about 90%. Corn syrup is found in everything from whole wheat bread to canned vegetables. It is more commonly used than basic table sugar (glucose) as it is more water soluble and maintains a sweeter flavour.

Molecular formula: C6H12O6

IUPAC name: Fructose

Food

In modern society an abundance of organic and inorganic compounds are used in the process that takes a seed to a store. Generally, the purpose a compound serves in a food product is as a flavour enhancer.

These additives either create an artificial flavour that makes the food a desired sweet, sour, or salty, or mimics an already existing flavour that is both enhanced and more easily binded to our sensory receptors.

Medicine

Ketones are the primary additive to many anti-inflammatory drugs; other additives include aldehydes and steroids. Additionally, steroids are their own sector of organic compound products.

A steroid is defined as an organic compound that contains four cycloalkane rings with methyl groups generally present at C-10/C-13 as well as an alkyl side chain at C-17. Examples include the two main sex hormones: testosterone and estradiol, as well as cholesterol.

In medicine, the organic compounds used as additives are divided into two broad groups,

1) small organic molecules and

2) biologics.

One, small organic molecules are characterised by their binding to proteins, nucleic acids, or polysaccharides where they act as an effector.

Formaldehyde

On the other end of the medicinal world, formaldehyde is a common preservative used to maintain a corpses living dignity. Generally, when a body is brought to a funeral home it is first drained of its blood and then pumped with formaldehyde in order to keep its appearance natural and lively. The same methods are used in taxidermy.

Examples of organic compounds used in the medicinal field include:

Molecular Formula: CH2O

IUPAC name: Formaldehyde

A Brief Explanation of Organic Compounds

Acetone

Industry

Acetone is a colourless and highly flammable liquid. It is the simplest form of a ketone and it is commonly used as a solvent in many different industries. In the home, it is used to easily remove residues, glue, stains and paint.

Molecular formula: C3H6O

IUPAC name: Propanone

Para-aminobenzoic Acid (P.A.B.A)

An organic compound is any substance whose molecular structure includes one or more carbons. There are two types of organic compounds:

1. Natural compounds- these are any compounds produced naturally by plants and/or animals. These include sugars, fats, enzymes, hormones and alkaloids.

2. Synthetic compounds- are any compounds produced by a reaction of one or more other compounds. These include polymers, esthers, and some alcohols, etc.

Generally found in the form of solvents, thinners, and strippers; organic compounds play a large role in common household products.

Used in foundations and sunscreens, Para-aminobenzoic Acid (P.A.B.A) offers protection against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It appears as a white/grey crystalline powder. PABA is composed of a benzene ring with an amino and carboxyl group attached.

Molecular Formula: H2NC6H4CO2H

IUPAC name: 4 -Aminobenzoic acid

Plexiglas

Cosmetics

Dacron

Examples include:

Also, the material known as ‘plexiglas’ or acrylic glass, is composed of a long transparent chain of esters.

Molecular formula: C5H8O2

IUPAC name:

methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate

Triethanolamine

The polyester dacron is a commonly used fibre in clothing and various upholsteries.

Molecular formula: C10H8O4

IUPAC name: poly(ethylene terephthalate)

used as an emulsifying agent to combine oil and water to give makeup products a smooth finish and appearance; it is also used as a pH buffer. Commonly found in lotion, shaving foams, shampoo, and foundation.

Molecular Formula: C6H15NO3

IUPAC name: 2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol

In the world of cosmetics organic compounds are found in everything from lipstick to hundred dollar body peels at the salon. Generally, the organic compounds found in the products applied to your body daily are there to act as a pH buffer and to maintain or lift your skins moisture levels.

Examples include:

Alpha-Propylene Glycol

also used to retain moisture in the skin, it’s physical properties are a viscous, colourless, almost odorless liquid that is slightly sweet. In addition to its cosmetic applications, propylene glycol is a common additive to tobacco and food for it’s humectant, preservative, and solvent properties.

Molecular Formula: C3H8O2

IUPAC name: Propane-1,2-diol