Core Organic Chemistry

Question 1

What does nomenclature mean?

Answer 1

The system used for naming organic compounds.

Question 2

What does the term empirical formula mean?

Answer 2

Simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule.

Question 3

What does the term molecular formula mean?

Answer 3

The actual number of atoms of the elements in a single molecule.

Question 4

What does the term displayed formula mean?

Answer 4

It shows every atom and every bond in a molecule.

Question 5

What does the term structural formula mean?

Answer 5

It shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing every bond.

Question 6

Define skeletal formula.

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Define homologous series.

Answer 7

A series of organic compounds having the same functional group but each successive member differing by CH2

Question 8

What is a functional group?

Answer 8

A group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound.

Question 9

What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 9

Hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in a straight line or branched chain.

Question 10

What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?

Answer 10

Hydrocarbons arranged in non aromatic ringswith or without side chains

Question 11

What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 11

Hydrocarbon that contains at least one benzene ring.

Question 12

What are the suffixes for:
- No double bonds
- At least one double bond
- An alcohol
- An aldehyde
- A ketone
- A carboxylic acid

Answer 12

-ane
-ene
-ol
-al
-one
-oic acid

Question 13

What is the general formula of alkanes?

Answer 13

C2H2n+2

Question 14

What is the general formula of alkenes?

Answer 14

CnH2n

Question 15

What is the general formula of alcohols?

Answer 15

CnH2n+1OH

Question 16

What does saturated mean?

Answer 16

Organic compounds only containing single bonds

Question 17

What are unsaturated compounds?

Answer 17

Organic compounds that contain at least one carbon carbon double bond

Question 18

Define structural isomerism.

Answer 18

When molecules have the same molecular formula but different structural formula

Question 19

What are the three ways in which structural isomers can be formed?

Answer 19

1) Alkyl groups can be in different places
2) Functional groups can be bonded to different parts
3) There can be different functional groups

Question 20

What are stereoisomers?

Answer 20

Organic compounds with the same molecular formula but have different arrangement of atoms in space

Question 21

What is E-Z isomerism and how are the E and Z isomers decided?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What is cis trans isomerism?

Answer 22

Special type of E/Z isomerism where the two substituents (two groups) on each carbon are the same

Question 23

What is homolytic fission?

Answer 23

It happens when each bonding atom receives one electron from the bonded pair forming two radicals

Question 24

What is heterolytic fission?

Answer 24

When one bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonded pair

Question 25

What are radicals?

Answer 25

Highly reactive neutral species