Chapter 22, Problem 12TE

Why do heteroatoms make such a difference in the physical and chemical properties of an organic molecule?

To determine

Organic compounds containing heteroatoms have different properties than organic compounds without heteroatoms.

Answer to Problem 12TE

The compounds containing heteroatoms show different properties than compounds having no heteroatoms as there is a characteristic chemistry present in each heteroatom.

Explanation of Solution

Heteroatoms consist of sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen. These all there have different polarity and they all also contains electron lone pair. Due to difference in polarity the bond between the heteroatoms and carbon are not so stable. Also, the presence of lone pair also affects their stability as the compounds turns reactive. Due to addictive effect of both lone pair and polarity organic compounds containing heteroatoms have significant different properties.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the compounds containing heteroatoms show different properties than compounds having no heteroatoms as there is a characteristic chemistry present in each heteroatom.