Intro 2 Organic Chem Definitions

Question 1

define molecular formula

Answer 1

formula showing the number of atoms from each element but not the structure of the molecule

Question 2

define empirical formula

Answer 2

smallest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound

Question 3

define skeletal formula

Answer 3

-diagram representation of an organic compound

-lines represent bonds between atoms and atoms are represented by their symbol.

-hydrogen atoms are assumed to be at the end of the line if no other atomic symbol is present.

Question 4

define structural formula

Answer 4

formula which shows the arrangement of atoms in the molecule of a compound but does not show all the bonds between them

Question 5

define displayed formula

Answer 5

all covalent bonds between all atoms are shown

Question 6

define homologous series

Answer 6

series of compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties

Question 7

define general formula

Answer 7

A type of empirical formula that shows the composition of any member of a homologous series

Question 8

define stereoisomerism

Answer 8

Occurs when two double bonded carbon atoms each have two different atoms or groups attached to them

Question 9

E-Z isomerism:

Answer 9

-type of stereoisomerism

-occurs due to the restricted rotation around the carbon double bond.

-results in two different groups on one end of the bond and two different groups on the other end.

-if the highest priority groups for each carbon are found on the same side of the molecule, then it is the Z-isomer.

-if the highest priority groups for each carbon are found on opposite sides of the molecule, then it is the E-isomer.

Question 10

define structural isomers

Answer 10

compounds which have the same molecular formula but a different structural formula.

Question 11

define chain isomers

Answer 11

Isomers that occur due to the branching in the carbon chain

Question 12

define position isomers

Answer 12

Isomers where the carbon backbone of the isomers are the same but the important groups are at different positions on the backbone.

Question 13

define functional group isomers

Answer 13

Isomers that contain different functional groups. This means they belong to different homologous series.

Question 14

define free radical

Answer 14

An uncharged molecule or atom with an unpaired valence electron

Question 15

Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules

Answer 15

-atom/group on each side of the double bond with the higher Ar/Mr is given the higher priority
-these groups are used to determine if it is the E or Z isomer
e.g. Br has higher Ar than F, so it has the higher priority