Appendix A: Key Element Information
Key Element Information
Organic chemistry is based on the element carbon and several other key elements. It is helpful to remember some key information about these elements while learning about organic compounds. Table A highlights some key information as well as links to more information from our Enhanced Introductory College Chemistry book.
| Element | Carbon | Hydrogen | Oxygen | Nitrogen | Halogen | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbol | C | H | O | N | F, Cl, Br, I | 3.1 Elements |
| Atomic Number | 6 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 9, 17, 35, 53 | Appendix A: The Periodic Table |
| Atomic Mass | 12 | 1 | 16 | 14 | 19, 35, 80, 127 | 5.6 Atomic Mass |
| Number of Protons | 6 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 9, 17, 35, 53 | 5.4 Defining the Nuclear Atom |
| Number of Electrons | 6 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 9, 17, 35, 53 | 5.4 Defining the Nuclear Atom |
| Number of Neutrons | 6 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 10, 18, 45, 74 | 5.4 Defining the Nuclear Atom |
| Natural Isotopes | 12C, 13C, 14C | 1H, 2H, 3H | 16O, 17O, 18O | 14N, 15N | see more info | 5.5 Isotopes of the Elements |
| Number of Valence Electrons | 4 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 7 (all) | 10.5 Atomic Structures of the First 20 Elements |
| Electron Configuration | 1s22s22p2 | 1s1 | 1s22s22p4 | 1s22s22p3 | 1s22s22p5 (F), …s2p5 (Cl, Br, I) | 10.5 Atomic Structures of the First 20 Elements |
| Lewis Structure |  |
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11.3 Lewis Symbols and Structures |
| Typical Ion | no ion formed (covalent bonding) | H+ or H– | O2- | N3- | F–, Cl–, Br–, I– | 5.4 Defining the Nuclear Atom |
| Electronegativity | 2.5 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 4.0, 3.0, 2.8, 2.5 | 11.2 Covalent Bonding |
| Typical Number of Bonds | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 11.6 Molecular Structure and Polarity |
Attribution & References
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