Core Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What does nomenclature mean?
The system used for naming organic compounds.
What does the term empirical formula mean?
Simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule.
What does the term molecular formula mean?
The actual number of atoms of the elements in a single molecule.
What does the term displayed formula mean?
It shows every atom and every bond in a molecule.
What does the term structural formula mean?
It shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing every bond.
Define skeletal formula.
A type of formula which is drawn as lines and each vertex represents a carbon atom. You should not draw the C in however each C should be assumed to have all unspecified bonds as C-H bonds
Define homologous series.
A series of organic compounds having the same functional group but each successive member differing by CH2
What is a functional group?
A group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound.
What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in a straight line or branched chain.
What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbons arranged in non aromatic ringswith or without side chains
What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbon that contains at least one benzene ring.
What are the suffixes for:
- No double bonds
- At least one double bond
- An alcohol
- An aldehyde
- A ketone
- A carboxylic acid
-ane
-ene
-ol
-al
-one
-oic acid
What is the general formula of alkanes?
C2H2n+2
What is the general formula of alkenes?
CnH2n
What is the general formula of alcohols?
CnH2n+1OH
What does saturated mean?
Organic compounds only containing single bonds
What are unsaturated compounds?
Organic compounds that contain at least one carbon carbon double bond
Define structural isomerism.
When molecules have the same molecular formula but different structural formula
What are the three ways in which structural isomers can be formed?
1) Alkyl groups can be in different places
2) Functional groups can be bonded to different parts
3) There can be different functional groups
What are stereoisomers?
Organic compounds with the same molecular formula but have different arrangement of atoms in space
What is E-Z isomerism and how are the E and Z isomers decided?
E-Z isomerism is caused by the limited rotation around C-C double bonds.
If two double bonded carbon atoms each have a hydrogen and a CH3 group attached:
- If both members of the same group are the same side of the double bond (above or below) then it is the Z isomer
- If both members of the same group are on different sides (diagonal) it is the E isomer
What is cis trans isomerism?
Special type of E/Z isomerism where the two substituents (two groups) on each carbon are the same
What is homolytic fission?
It happens when each bonding atom receives one electron from the bonded pair forming two radicals
What is heterolytic fission?
When one bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonded pair
