4.1 Basic concepts and hydrocarbons Flashcards
Define ‘homologous series’
a series of organic compounds having the same functional group but with each successive member differing by CH2
What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?
a hydrocarbon with carbon bonds joined in a straight or branched chain
What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?
a hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined in a ring structure
What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?
a compound containing at least 1 benzene ring
What is the general formula for alkyl groups?
Cn H(2n+1)
What is the general formula for alkanes?
Cn H(2n+2)
Define ‘functional group’
a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound
Define ‘saturated’ and ‘unsaturated’ hydrocarbons?
saturated - single c-c bonds
unsaturated - double c=c bonds or more
What is the general formula?
the simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series
What is the structural formula?
the minimal detail that shows the arranhement of atoms in a molecule
e.g. propane - CH3CH2CH3
What is the displayed formula?
the relative positioning of atoms and the bonds between them
e.g. ethanol
H H
H - C - C - O - H
H H
What is the skeletal formula?
simplified organic formula
e.g ethane = ___
Define ‘structural isomers’
compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae
Define ‘homolytic fission’
each bonding atom receives 1 electron from the bonded pair - forming 2 radicals
Define ‘heterolytic fission’
1 bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonding pair
