Carbon bends fields into form. Its orbitals hybridize, overlap, and sing in σ and π bonds. Out of those dances come glucose, lipids, and proteins.
1. Hybridization
Carbon mixes orbitals to form shapes:
2. Sigma and Pi Bonds
σ bonds overlap end-to-end; π bonds overlap sideways, locking geometry.
3. Resonance & Aromaticity
Benzene’s π electrons spread evenly — resonance stabilizes its ring.
4. Functional Groups
- Hydroxyl (–OH)
- Carbonyl (C=O)
- Carboxyl (–COOH)
- Ester (–COOR)
- Amide (–CONH–)
5. Life’s Molecules
Glucose links through glycosidic bonds; peptides form via condensation.
6. Energy & Equilibrium
ΔG = ΔH − TΔS decides if bonds form or break.