11.1 Basic concepts of organic chemistry

Question 1

Alicyclic

Answer 1

an aliphatic compound that is arranged in non-aromatic rings (with or without side
chains).

Question 2

Aliphatic

Answer 2

a compound containing carbon and hydrogen atoms joined in straight or branched
chains or in non-aromatic rings.

Question 3

Aromatic

Answer 3

some or all of the carbon atoms are found in a benzene ring

Ring containing 3 double bonds

Question 4

Alkane

Answer 4

: a homologous series with the general formula CnH2n+2

Question 5

Alkyl

Answer 5

a group with the general formula CnH2n+1
e.g. methyl- CH3/ ethyl CH2-CH3

Question 6

Dipole

Answer 6

a partial charge on an atom which is caused by the differing electronegativities of
atoms in a covalent bond.

Question 7

Displayed Formula

Answer 7

the relative positions of atoms and the bonds between them

Question 8

Empirical Formula

Answer 8

the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in a compound

Question 9

Functional Group

Answer 9

a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound

Question 10

Homologous Series

Answer 10

a series of organic compounds containing the same functional group
with successive members differing by -CH2

Question 11

Heterolytic Fission

Answer 11

when a covalent bond breaks, one bonding atom receives both
electrons from the bonded pair.

Question 12

Homolytic Fission

Answer 12

when a covalent bond breaks, each bonding atom receives one electron
from the bonding pair, forming 2 radicals.

Question 13

Radical

Answer 13

a species with an unpaired electron. E.g. Cl*

Question 14

Reaction Mechanism

Answer 14

a series of steps that represent the overall reaction by showing the
breaking and forming of bonds using curly arrows.

Question 15

Saturated

Answer 15

an organic compound which only contains C-C single bonds.

Question 16

Skeletal Formula

Answer 16

the simplified organic formula, shown by removing hydrogen atoms from
alkyl chains, leaving the carbon skeleton and the functional groups

Question 17

Molecular Formula

Answer 17

the number and type of atoms of each element in a molecule

Question 18

Structural Isomers

Answer 18

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural
formulae

Question 19

Unsaturated

Answer 19

an organic compound which contains at least one C=C double bond, a C≡C
triple bond or an aromatic ring.

Question 20

General formula for alkenes, alcohols and alkanes

Answer 20

CnH2n+2 alkane
CnH2n alkane
CnH2n+1OH alcohol

Question 21

Molecular formula

Answer 21

Actual number of atoms in a molecule or element
E.g. C2H6 ethane

Question 22

Structural formula

Answer 22

Arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing all the bonds

E.g. butan-1-ol

CH3CH2CH2CH2OH

Question 23

Homologous series endings

Answer 23

Alkanes: -ane
Alkyl groups: alkyl-
Alkenes: -ene
Alcohols: -ol
Aldehydes: -anal
Ketones: -one
Carboxylic acids: -oic acid
Halogenalkanes: fluoro- / bromo- / iodi- / chloro-
Cycloalkanes: cyclo- / -ane
Esters: alkyl- / -anoate

Question 24

Nomenclature: how to name an organic compound

Answer 24

1. Find length of longest continuous chain of carbons and select stem
2. Main Functional group should give the suffix
3. Find number on carbon chainthat the functional groups sits on (making it the lowest)
4. Note any other branched groups like alkyl groups or halogens and name them
5. Any side chains must be written as prefixes in alphabetical order
6. More than 1 identical functional group or side chain= di-/ tri-/ tetra-

Question 25

Types of reactions

Answer 25

Addition: two reactions join together to form one product
Substitution: the number of reactants is equal to the number of products, where one substance is swapped
Elimination: removal of a small molecule from a larger one (one reactant two products)