4A - Alkanes definitions

Question 1

Alicylic

Answer 1

Containing carbon atoms joined together in a ring that is not aromatic

Question 2

Aliphatic

Answer 2

Containing carbon atoms joined together in straight or branched chains

Question 3

Alkane

Answer 3

The hydocarbon homologous series with single carbon-carbon bonds.

General formula = C_nH_2n+2

Question 4

Alkyl group

Answer 4

A side chain formed by removing a hydrogen atom removed from an alkane parent chain, for example, CH₃, C₂H₅. Any alkyl group is often shown as R.

Question 5

Aromatic

Answer 5

A compound that contains one or more benzene rings

Question 6

Displayed formula

Answer 6

A formula showing the relative positioning of all the atoms in a molecule and the bonds between them

Question 7

Empirical formula

Answer 7

The formula that shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in a compound

Question 8

Functional group

Answer 8

The part of the organic molecule responsible for its chemical reactions

Question 9

General formula

Answer 9

The simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series

Question 10

Homologous series

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Homolytic fission

Answer 11

The breaking of a covalent bond with one of the bonded electrons going to each atom forming 2 radicals

Question 12

Heterolytic fission

Answer 12

The breaking of a covalent bond with both of the bonded electrons going to each atom, forming a cation and a anion.

Question 13

Hydrocarbon

Answer 13

A compound containing hydrogen and carbon atoms only

Question 14

Molecular formula

Answer 14

Formula that shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule/compound

Question 15

Radical

Answer 15

A species with an unpaired electron

Question 16

Saturated

Answer 16

Contains single bonds only

Question 17

Unsaturated

Answer 17

Containins a multiple carbon-carbon bond (e.g. a C=C bond)

Question 18

Skeletal formula

Answer 18

A simplified organic formula, with hydrogen atoms removed from alkyl chains, leaving just a carbon skeleton and associated functional groups

Question 19

Structural formula

Answer 19

A formula showing the minimal detail for the arrangements of atoms in a molecule

Question 20

Structural isomerism

Answer 20

Molecules with the same molecular formula but with different structural formulae

Question 21

Substitution reaction

Answer 21

A reaction in which an atom or group of atoms is replaced with a different atom or group of atoms