basic concepts of organic chem

Question 1

What does nomenclature mean

Answer 1

The system used for naming organic compounds

Question 2

Define empirical formula

Answer 2

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule

Question 3

Define molecular formula

Answer 3

The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule

Question 4

Define the displayed formula

Answer 4

Shows every atom and every bond in a molecule

Question 5

Define structural formula

Answer 5

Shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing every bond

Question 6

Define skeletal formula

Answer 6

Shows the bonds of the carbon skeleton only, with any functional groups. The hydrogen and carbon atoms aren’t shown.

Question 7

Define homologous series

Answer 7

A homologous series is a bunch of organic compounds that have the same functional group and general formula

Question 8

Define a functional group

Answer 8

A group of atoms responsible for characteristic reactions of a compound

Question 9

What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon

Answer 9

Hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in a straight line or branched chain, containing non-aromatic rings

Question 10

What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon

Answer 10

Hydrocarbons arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains

Question 11

What is an aromatic hydrocarbon

Answer 11

A hydrocarbon that contains at least one benzene ring

Question 12

What is the suffix for:

1. No double bonds
2. At least 1 double bond
3. An alcohol
4. An aldehyde
5. A ketone
6. A carboxylic acid

Answer 12

1. -ane
2. -ene
3. -ol
4. -al
5. -one
6. -oic acid

Question 13

What is the prefix for a CH3 group

Answer 13

methyl-

Question 14

What is the prefix for a C2H5 group

Answer 14

ethyl-

Question 15

What is the general formula of alkanes

Answer 15

CnH2n+2

Question 16

What is the general formula for alkenes

Answer 16

CnH2n

Question 17

What is the general formula of alcohol

Answer 17

CnH2n+1OH

Question 18

Define saturated

Answer 18

Organic compounds which only contain single bonds

Question 19

Define unsaturated

Answer 19

Organic compounds that contain at least one carbon-carbon double covalent bond

Question 20

Define structural isomerism

Answer 20

When molecules have the same molecular formula but the different structural formula

Question 21

What are the 3 ways in which structural isomers can be formed

Answer 21

1. Alkyl groups can be in different places
2. Functional groups can be bonded to different parts
3. There can be different functional groups

Question 22

Define stereoisomers

Answer 22

Organic compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms in space

Question 23

What is E-Z isomerism and how are E and Z isomers decided?

Answer 23

E-Z isomerism is caused by the limited rotation about C=C double bonds

If the two substituents with the highest molecular mass are on the same side of the double bond, it is the Z isomer

If they are on different sides it is the E isomer

Question 24

What is Cis-Trans isomerism

Answer 24

A special type of E/Z isomerism where two substituents on each carbon atom are the same

Question 25

What is homolytic fission

Answer 25

It happens when each bonding atom receives 1 electron from the bonded pair forming 2 radicals

Question 26

What is heterolytic fission

Answer 26

When 1 bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonded pair to form ions

Question 27

Define radicals

Answer 27

Particles that have an unpaired electron which makes them very reactive