11. Basic Concepts

Question 1

Define molecular formula

Answer 1

the exact number of atoms of each element present in a molecule

Question 2

Define empirical formula

Answer 2

the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule

Question 3

Define homologous series

Answer 3

a series of compounds with the same functional group with each member differing by a CH2 group, and having the same general formula

Question 4

What are the 3 types of structural isomer?

Answer 4

chain : Cs arranged differently
position : functional group moves along the molecule
functional group : atoms arranged into a new functional group

Question 5

Define stereoisomerism

Answer 5

same structural formula but atoms occupy different positions in space

Question 6

What are the 2 types of stereoisomer?

Answer 6

cis/trans : stems from inability of C=C to rotate

optical : atoms arranged to form 2 non-superimposable mirror images around a chiral carbon

Question 7

What happens in homolytic fission?

Answer 7

each bonded atom takes 1 e- from the shared pair

each atom becomes a radical

Question 8

What happens in heterolytic fission?

Answer 8

one atom takes both e- from the shared pair and becomes -ve ion
atom w no shared e- becomes +ve ion

Question 9

What are the 3 main types of reaction?

Answer 9

addition
substitution
elimination

Question 10

What are the 3 types of molecules in terms of structure?

Answer 10

aliphatic
alicyclic
aromatic