4.1.1 Basic concepts of organic chemistry (naming and representing the formulae of organic compounds, functional groups) Flashcards
What is Nomenclature?
the set of rules that outline how different organic compounds should be named and how their formulas are represented
Compounds are named according to rules laid out by what Union?
the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
What are hydrocarbons?
Compounds containing hydrogen and carbon atoms only
What is the general formula for an alkane?
CnH2n+2
What is the structural formula for ethane?
CH3CH3
What is the molecular formula for ethane?
C2H6
What is a homologous series?
A series of organic compounds having the same functional group but with each successive member differing by CH2
What does the prefix (start) of the chemical tell you?
the length of the longest unbroken chain of carbon atoms
e.g. meth-, eth-, prop-
What does the suffix (ending) of the chemical tell you?
the functional group present
What is a functional group?
A group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound
What is the functional group for a carboxylic acid?
COOH
What is the functional group for an alkene?
The double bond (must circle the carbon atoms with the double bond if they ask you to identify it)
What is the functional group for an alcohol?
OH
What is the functional group for an ester?
COO
What are saturated hydrocarbons?
they have carbon-carbon single bonds only. No further atoms can be added to the molecule without removing one of the atoms already there