Chapter 11: Basic Concepts Of Organic Chemistry Flashcards
General formula
An algebraic formula that can describe any member of a family of compounds.
General formula of an alkane
CnH2n+2
General formula of an alkene
CnH2n
General formula of an alcohol
CnH2n+1OH
General formula of a carboxylic acid
CnH2n+1COOH
General formula of a ketone
CnH2nO
Empirical formula
The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
Molecular formula
The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule
Structural formula
Shows the arrangement of atoms carbon by carbon, with the attached hydrocarbons and functional groups
Skeletal formula
Shows the bonds of the carbon skeleton only, with any functional groups
Displayed formula
Shows how all the atoms are arranged, and the bonds between them
Hydrocarbon
A compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
Saturated
Single bonds only
Unsaturated
Carbon-carbon double bonds
Homologous series
A family of compounds with similar chemical properties who’s successive members differ by the addition of a -CH2 group.
Aliphatic
Carbon atoms are joined to each other in unbranched or branched chains, or non-aromatic rings.
Alicyclic
Carbon atoms are joined to each other in ring structures, with or without branches.
Aromatic
Some or all of the carbon atoms are found in a benzene ring
Aldehyde suffix
-al
Ketone suffix
-one
Carboxylic acid suffix
-oic acid
Ester suffix
-oate
Acyl chloride suffix
-oyl chloride
Amine prefix and suffix
Amino-
-amine
Nitrile suffix
-nitrile
Structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
Chain isomers
In chain isomers, the carbon chain is arranged differently. The isomers will have similar chemical properties but different physical properties
Positional isomers
In positional isomers, the functional group is attached to a different carbon atom. The isomers will have similar chemical properties but different physical properties.
Functional group isomers
Functional group isomers contain different functional groups and so are members of different homologous series. The isomers will have different chemical properties and different physical properties.
Homolytic fission
When the covalent bond breaks, each of the bonded atoms takes one of the shared pair of electrons from the bond.
Heterolytic fission
When a covalent bond breaks by heterolytic fission, one of the bonded atoms takes both of the electrons from the bond.
Radical
An atom or group of atoms with an unpaired electron
Curly arrow
The movement of electron pairs when bonds are being broken or made
Addition reactions
Two reactants join together to form one product
Substitution reaction
An atom or group of atoms in replaced by a different atom or group of atoms
Elimination reaction
Involves the removal of a small molecule from a larger one
