basic concepts of organic chem Flashcards
What does nomenclature mean
The system used for naming organic compounds
Define empirical formula
The simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule
Define molecular formula
The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule
Define the displayed formula
Shows every atom and every bond in a molecule
Define structural formula
Shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing every bond
Define skeletal formula
Shows the bonds of the carbon skeleton only, with any functional groups. The hydrogen and carbon atoms aren’t shown.
Define homologous series
A homologous series is a bunch of organic compounds that have the same functional group and general formula
Define a functional group
A group of atoms responsible for characteristic reactions of a compound
What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in a straight line or branched chain, containing non-aromatic rings
What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbons arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains
What is an aromatic hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon that contains at least one benzene ring
What is the suffix for:
- No double bonds
- At least 1 double bond
- An alcohol
- An aldehyde
- A ketone
- A carboxylic acid
- -ane
- -ene
- -ol
- -al
- -one
- -oic acid
What is the prefix for a CH3 group
methyl-
What is the prefix for a C2H5 group
ethyl-
What is the general formula of alkanes
CnH2n+2
What is the general formula for alkenes
CnH2n
What is the general formula of alcohol
CnH2n+1OH
Define saturated
Organic compounds which only contain single bonds
Define unsaturated
Organic compounds that contain at least one carbon-carbon double covalent bond
Define structural isomerism
When molecules have the same molecular formula but the different structural formula
What are the 3 ways in which structural isomers can be formed
- Alkyl groups can be in different places
- Functional groups can be bonded to different parts
- There can be different functional groups
Define stereoisomers
Organic compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms in space
What is E-Z isomerism and how are E and Z isomers decided?
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
What is Cis-Trans isomerism
A special type of E/Z isomerism where two substituents on each carbon atom are the same
What is homolytic fission
It happens when each bonding atom receives 1 electron from the bonded pair forming 2 radicals
What is heterolytic fission
When 1 bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonded pair to form ions
Define radicals
Particles that have an unpaired electron which makes them very reactive
