Chapter 14 : Introduction to organic Chemistry Flashcards
Definitions , key ideas and formulae
Definition of hydrocarbons :
●a compound made up of carbon and hydrogen only.
Definition of empirical formula:
●it tell us the simplest whole number ratio of the different types of atoms present in a molecule
Definition of molecular formula :
● this formula shows us the actual numbers of each type of atom in a molecule
Definition of structural formula :
● this formula tells us about the atoms bonded to each carbon atom in an organic molecule e.g. CH3CH=CH2
Definition of displayed formula :
● a drawing of a molecule that shows all the atoms and bonds within a molecule
Definition of skeletal formula :
●a simplified version of the displayed formula that has symbols for carbon and hydrogen atoms removed , as well as the carbon to hydrogen bonds. The carbon to carbon bonds are left in place as are the bonds to other atoms.
Definition of functional group :
● an atom or group of atoms in an organic molecule that determine the characteristic reactions of a homologous series.
Definition of general formula :
● a formula that represents a homologous series of compounds using letters and numbers. By substituting a number for n in the general formula you get the molecular formula of a particular compound in that homologous series.
E.G. General formula for alkanes is Cn H2n+2
Definition of single covalent bonds
●A shared pair of electrons bonding two atoms together
Definition of Sigma bonds
Single covalent bonds, formed by ‘ end-on ‘ overlap of atomic orbitals .
Definition of pi bonds
Multiple covalent bonds involving the sideways overlap of p orbitals
Definition of structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
Definition of stereoisomerism :
Compounds whose molecules have the same atoms bonded to each other but with different arrangements of the atoms in space.
Definition of free radicals
Very reactive atom or molecule that has a single unpaired electron.
Definition of Initiation step:
The first step in the mechanism of free- radical substitution of alkanes by halogens. It involves the breaking of the halogen-halogen bond by UV light from the sun.
Definition of termination step
The final step in a free-radical mechanism in which two free radicals react together to form a molecule.
Definition of the propagation step
A step in a free-radical mechanism in which the radicals formed can then attack reactant molecules generating more free radicals, and so on.
Definition of carbocation
An alkyl group carrying a single positive charge on one of its carbon atoms, e.g +CH2CH3
Definition of electrophile
A species that can act as an acceptor of a pair of electrons in an organic mechanism
Definition of a nucleophile
A species that can act as a donor of a pair of electrons
Definition of an addition reaction
An organic reaction in which two reactant molecules combine to give a single product molecule.
Definition of an elimination reaction
A reaction in which a small molecule, such as H2O or HCl, is removed from an organic molecule.
Definition of a substitution reaction
A reaction that involves the replacement of one atom, or group of atoms, by another.
Definition of hydrolysis
The breakdown of a compound by water, which is often speeded up by reacting with acid or alkali.
Definition of oxidation reaction
The addition of oxygen, removal of electrons or increase in oxidation number of a substance ; in organic Chemistry refers to a reaction in which oxidation is added to a molecule and/or hydrogen atoms are removed from a molecule.
Definition of reduction reaction
The removal of oxygen, addition of electrons or decrease in oxidation number of a substance; in organic Chemistry it is the removal of oxygen atoms from a molecule and/or the addition of hydrogen atoms to a molecule.
What five types of formulae do you get ?
- Empirical formula
- Molecular formula
- Structural formula
- Displayed formula
- Skeletal formula
Name the seven types of homologous series
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Carboxylic acids
- Carbonyl Compounds, namely : aldehydes and ketones
- Esters
- Halogenoalkanes
What is a homologous series?
A group of organic compounds with the same functional group
What is the general formula for alkenes?
CnH2n
What is the general formula for alkanes ?
CnH2n+2
What is the general formula for arenes?
C6H5-
General formula for a halogenoalkane, where x =F, Cl, Br, I
CnH2n+1X
General formula for an alcohol
CnH2n+1OH
General formula for an aldehyde
CnH2n+1CHO
General formula for a ketone
CnH2n+1 COCm H2m+1
General formula for a carboxylic acid
CnH2n+1COOH
General formula for an ester
CnH2n+1 COOCm H2m+1
General formula for an amine
CnH2n+1NH2
General formula for a nitrile
CnH2n+1CN
Functional group for alkenes
C=C