The following are the names, symbols, and uses of some of the most important classes of carbon compounds:

Class of Compounds

Composition

Use

Carbohydrates

Compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, the last two in the proportion to form water.

Sugars

Starches

Cellulose

Alcohols

Compound of carbon and hydrogen with an OH group. C2Hs.OH, ordinary spirits of alcohol,

Wood alcohol

Grain alcohol

Class of Compounds

Composition

Use

Fats

Salts of certain organic acids called fatty acids.

To make soaps, lubricants.

Oils

Liquid fats

"

Soaps

When fats are boiled with sodium hydroxide or alkali, a soap and glycerin are formed.

Washing purposes. Glycerin used to m a k e smokeless powder.