Chapter 11 - Basic concepts of organic chemistry Flashcards
What is a hydrocarbon?
A compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Saturated - single bonds only
Unsaturated - multiple bonds (e.g. double bonds)
What is a homologous series?
A family of compounds with similar chemical properties whose successive members differ by the addition of a -CH2- group
What is a functional group?
The part of the organic molecule that is largely responsible for the molecule’s chemical properties
Why does carbon form so many compounds?
It has 4 electrons in it’s outer shell, meaning each C atom can form 4 covalent bonds to other atoms. It can form long chains.
What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?
When carbon atoms are joined to each other in unbranched (straight) or branched chains, or non aromatic rings
What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?
When carbon atoms are joined to each other in ring (cyclic) structures, with or without branches
What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?
Some or all of the carbon atoms are found in a benzene ring
How can you name organic compounds (what is the method)?
1 - identify which suffix to use
2 - identify the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms
3 - identify and side chains and which number carbon the side chains are on
4 - combine the suffix, stem and side chains to name the compound
What is the functional group of an alkene and what is the suffix (when the priority group) and the prefix when not the priority group)?
C=C
SUFFIX: -ene
PREFIX: -en-
What is the functional group of an alkane and what is the suffix (when the priority group) and the prefix when not the priority group)?
no functional group
SUFFIX: -ane
PREFIX: -methyl, -ethyl etc
What is the functional group of an alcohol and what is the suffix (when the priority group) and the prefix when not the priority group)?
-OH
SUFFIX: -ol
PREFIX: -hydroxy
What is the functional group of a ketone and what is the suffix (when the priority group) and the prefix when not the priority group)?
-C(CO)C-
SUFFIX: -one
PREFIX: -oxo-
What is the functional group of an aldehyde and what is the suffix (when the priority group) and the prefix when not the priority group)?
-CHO
SUFFIX: -al
PREFIX: -oxo-
What is the functional group of a carboxylic acid and what is the suffix (when the priority group) and the prefix when not the priority group)?
-COOH
SUFFIX: -oic acid
PREFIX: n/a
What is the functional group of an ester and what is the suffix (when the priority group) and the prefix when not the priority group)?
-COO-
SUFFIX: -yl + -oate
PREFIX: n/a
What is molecular formula?
It shows the number and type of atoms of each element present in a molecule
e.g. ethanol = C2H6O
What is empirical formula?
The simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms of each element present in a compound
What is general formula?
The simplest algebraic formula for any member of a homologous series
e.g. alkanes = CnH2n+2
What is displayed formula?
The relative positioning of all the atoms in a molecule and the bonds between them
What is structural formula?
It uses the smallest amount of detail necessary to show the arrangement of the atoms in a molecule.
e.g. butane = CH3CH2CH2CH3
What is skeletal formula?
A simplified organic formula where a line represents a single bond and the intersection of two lines represents are carbon atoms
What is structural isomerism?
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula
What is homolytic fission?
When a covalent bond is broken by homolytic fission, each of the bonded atoms takes one of the shared pair of electrons from the bond. Each atom of groups of atoms have an unpaired electron so they are now called radicals
