4.1.1: Basic concepts of organic chemistry

Question 1

What is the general formula of an alkane ?

Answer 1

Cn H2N+2

Question 2

What is the general formula of an alkene ?

Answer 2

Cn H2n

Question 3

What is the general formula of an alcohol ?

Answer 3

Cn H2n+1OH

Question 4

Define homologous series

Answer 4

A series of organic compounds with the same functional group but each successive member differs by CH2

Question 5

Define functional group

Answer 5

Part of an organic molecule responsible for chemical properties and characteristic reactions

Question 6

Define saturated molecule

Answer 6

Contains single carbon-carbon bonds only
c-c

Question 7

Define unsaturated molecule

Answer 7

Contains multiple carbon-carbon bonds c=c

Question 8

Define hydrocarbon

Answer 8

Contains hydrogen and carbon atoms only

Question 9

Define aliphatic

Answer 9

Compound containing straight, branched hydrocarbon chains or non-aromatic rings

Question 10

Define alicyclic

Answer 10

Aliphatic compounds arranged in a non-aromatic rings

Question 11

Define aromatic

Answer 11

Compound containing a benzene ring

Question 12

What do curly arrows show ?

Answer 12

The movement of an electron pair

Question 13

Define bond fission

Answer 13

Breaking of a covalent bond

Question 14

Define heterolytic fission

Answer 14

When a covalent bond breaks and one atom receives both electrons

Question 15

Define homolytic fission

Answer 15

When a covalent bond breaks and one electron from the bond (pair) goes to
each atom

Question 16

Define radical

Answer 16

Species with an unpaired electron

Question 17

Define structural isomerism

Answer 17

Compounds with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula

Question 18

Explain a potential danger of incomplete combustion

Answer 18

CO produced which is toxic

Question 19

Give 2 differences between sigma and pi bonds

Answer 19

• Pi bonds have a lower bond enthalpy than sigma bonds
• Pi bonds are above and below bonding atoms whereas sigma bonds are between bonding atoms

Question 20

What is the general formula of alkyl groups ?

Answer 20

Cn H2n+1

Question 21

Define stereoisomerism

Answer 21

Same structural formula but different arrangement of atoms in space