C12 Basic Concepts In Organic Chemistry

Question 1

Functional group

Answer 1

Either a structural feature, a group of atoms or a single atom. It is the functional group that determines much of the chemistry of a compound.

Question 2

Homologous series

Answer 2

A group of compounds:
• that have the same general formula
• that contain the same functional group
• in which each member of the homologous series differed from the next by CH2

Question 3

Empirical formula

Answer 3

Gives the simplest whole number ratio of the elements in a compound. These can be calculated from the amounts of each element

Question 4

Molecular formula

Answer 4

Represents the actual number of atoms of each element in the molecule. It does not provide any detail of the arrangement of the atoms

Question 5

Structural isomers

Answer 5

Compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae