Chapter 11 - Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What is a homologous series?
A series of organic compounds having the same functional group but with each successive member
differing by CH2.
What is a saturated hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon containing single bonds only.
What is a functional group?
Definition not required for exam but understanding is necessary.
The part of the organic molecule that is largely responsible for the molecule’s chemical properties.
What is an aliphatic compound?
A compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched chains or non-aromatic rings.
What is an alicyclic compound?
An aliphatic compound arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains.
What is an aromatic compound?
A compound containing a benzene ring.
What is molecular formula?
Definition not required for exam but understanding is necessary.
A formula which shows the number and type of atoms of each element in a molecule. (e.g. C2H6O)
What is empirical formula?
Definition not required for exam but understanding is necessary.
The simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms of each element present in a compound. (e.g. C6H12O (molecular formula) CH2O (empirical formula)).
What is general formula?
Definition not required for exam but understanding is necessary.
The simplest algebraic formula for any number of a homologous series.
What is structural formula?
Definition not required for exam but understanding is necessary.
A formula which shows the smallest amount of detail necessary to show the arrangement of the atoms in a molecule (e.g. CH3CH2CH2CH3).
What are structural isomers?
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
What happens in homolytic fission?
A covalent bond is broken with each bonding atom receiving one electron from the bonded pair of electrons.
- Each atom now has a single unpaired electron
- 2 radicals are produced
What is a radical?
A species with an unpaired electron.
What happens in heterolytic fission?
A covalent bond is broken with one of the bonded atoms receiving both electrons from the bonded pair, forming two oppositely charged ions.
- The atom that takes both electrons becomes a negative ion.
- The atom that does not take the electrons becomes a positive ion.
What happens in an addition reaction?
Two reactants join together to form one product.
2 reactants → 1 product
What happens in a substitution reaction?
An atom or group of atoms is replaced by a different atom or group of atoms.
e.g.
C3H7Br + OH → C3H80 + Br
What happens in an elimination reaction?
A small molecule is removed from a larger one.
One reactant molecule forms two products, often in the presence of a catalyst.
Revise how to draw reaction mechanisms.
Revise how to draw reaction mechanisms.
In a reaction mechanism, a curly arrow must start from…
…a bond, a lone pair, or a negative charge.
What is the general formula of an alkyl group?
CnH2n+1
Curly arrows are used to show…
…the movement of a pair of electrons.
What is a hydrocarbon?
A compound containing carbon and hydrogen ONLY.
What is an unsaturated compound?
A hydrocarbon containing at least one multiple carbon-carbon bond.
