Carbon Chains

The carbon chains, or molecules of any organic compound that are formed by the set of all carbon and hetero atoms can be classified according to various criteria. Following this classification and the criteria adopted are best explained:

1 - The closure of the chain:

1.1-open chain aliphatic or acyclic: an open chain is one that has at least two ends or edges, there is no thread, closing cycle, or ring therein. Examples:

Examples of carbon chains open1.2-chain or cyclic closed, has no end or tip, the atoms are joined together, closing the chain, forming a chain, cycle, core or ring. Examples:

Examples of carbon chains closed1.3-Joint Chain: presents both a part of the chain closed as part of an open. Examples:

Examples of mixed carbon chain2 - The arrangement of carbon atoms in the carbon chain:

2.1-Chain normal, straight or linear: occurs when there are only primary and secondary carbons in the chain. Being in a single sequence, generate only two edges or ends. Examples:

Examples of normal carbon chain2.2-branched Chain: those who have three or more extremities, with tertiary or quaternary carbons. Examples:

Examples of branched carbon chains3 - The type of bond between the carbon atoms:

3.1-chain saturated: classification given to those chains that have only single bonds between carbons. Examples:

Examples of saturated carbon chains3.2-chain unsaturated, chain having at least one double or triple bond between carbons. Examples:

Examples of unsaturated carbon chains.4 - The nature of the atoms that make up the carbon chain:

4.1-chain homogeneous: those who have no heteroatom between carbons, ie, these chains are constituted only by carbon. Examples:

Examples of homogeneous carbon chains4.2-Chain heterogeneous: in this case there is any heteroatom between the carbons, which are usually oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S). Examples:

Examples of heterogeneous carbon chains5 - The development of an aromatic ring in the carbon chain:

5.1-Chain Aromatic: are they present in their structure at least one benzene ring, also called aromatic ring (C6H6). Examples:

Examples of aromatic carbon chains5.2-chain non-aromatic or alicyclic: are closed chains that do not have a benzene ring in its structure. Examples:

Examples of non-aromatic carbon chains