Intro to Organic Flashcards
What is a General Formula?
A general formula is an algebraic formula applied to the chemicals of a certain homologous series.
(Example, CnH2n+2)
What is a Molecular Formula?
A molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in a molecule.
(Example, C2H6)
What is an Empirical Formula?
An empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule.
(Example, C2H6 becomes CH3)
What is a Structural Formula?
A structural formula shows the arrangement of atoms in a substance without showing all of the bonds.
(Example, CH3CH2CH2CH2OH)
What is a Skeletal Formula?
A skeletal formula shows the bonds of the carbon skeleton of a hydrocarbon only.
(Hydrogen and carbon atoms are not shown, functional groups are shown)
What is a Displayed Formula?
A displayed formula shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule showing all the bonds and atoms present.
What is a homologous series and how does it successively increase?
A homologous series is a group of compounds with the same functional group and general formula.
Successive members of the same homologous series increase in size by “CH2”.
List the IUPAC rules for Nomenclature
- Find the length of the stem by counting the largest continuous chain of carbons
- The functional group of the molecule normally decides the suffix of its name.
- Number the carbon chain so that the functional group sits on the lowest possible number carbon
- Make a note of the carbon number the functional group is attached to. Place this number before the suffix.
- Any side chains or less important functional groups are written as prefixes in alphabetical order.
- If there is more than one identical functional group or side chain use di/tri/tetra to indicate this.
What is the function of chemical mechanisms?
Chemical mechanisms show the movement of electrons during chemical reactions.
How are curly arrows used to show the movement of electrons in chemical reactions?
Curly arrows always start from areas with electrons, such as a double bond or lone pair.
Free radical mechanisms do not require curly arrows.
Curly arrows end either at the destination of the electrons or at the formation of a new bond.
What are Structural Isomers?
Name the three types.
Structural Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
Chain isomers have the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of the carbon skeleton.
Position isomers have the same molecular formula but the functional group is in a different position on the carbon skeleton.
Functional group isomers have the same molecular formula but a different functional group.
What are Stereoisomers?
Stereoisomers have the same structural formula but different arrangements of atoms in space.
Double carbon bonds and their directly bonded atoms are planar (flat) so the atoms cannot rotate around the double carbon bond.
What is E/Z isomerism?
E/Z isomerism is where two different atoms or groups of atoms are on the same carbon.
E = opposite - same groups are opposite each other on the double bond
Z = together - same groups on the same side of the double bond
List the CIP priority rules for E/Z isomerism.
- Label the carbons in the double bond as “1” and “2”
- Calculate the atomic number of each element directly bonded to the double carbon bond. The atom or group of atoms with the highest atomic number is given higher priority.
