Intro to organic

Question 1

Define molecular formula

Answer 1

Formula showing the actual number of each type of atom in a compound

Question 2

Define empirical formula

Answer 2

Formula showing the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in the compound

Question 3

Define general formula

Answer 3

Algebraic formula for a homologous series

Question 4

Define structural formula

Answer 4

Formula showing the minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule

Question 5

Define displayed formula

Answer 5

A formula showing all the covalent bonds and atoms present in a molecule

Question 6

Define skeletal formula

Answer 6

A formula showing the simplified organic formula shown by removing hydrogen atoms from alkyl chains leaving just a carbon skeleton and associated functional groups

Question 7

Define functional group

Answer 7

An atom or group of atoms which when present in different molecules causes them to have similar chemical properties

Question 8

Define homologous series

Answer 8

Families of organic compounds with the same functional group and same general formula

Question 9

What is an unpaired electron in a radical represented by?

Answer 9

A dot

Question 10

Order of priority for nomenclature

(alcohols, aldehydes, alkenes, carboxylic acids, halogenoalkanes and ketones)

Answer 10

Highest precedence group takes suffix (and the lowest number on the carbon
chain), with all others taking the prefix form.
Order of priority highest first:
Carboxylic acids>aldehydes>ketones>alcohols>alkenes>halogenoalkanes

Question 11

Define structural isomerism and what it arises from

Answer 11

same molecular formula, different structural formulae

arises from chain, position and functional group isomerism

Question 12

Define chain isomers

Answer 12

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures of the carbon skeleton

Question 13

Define position isomers

Answer 13

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures due to different positions of the same functional group on the same carbon skeleton

Question 14

Define functional group isomers

Answer 14

Compounds with the same molecular formula but with
atoms arranged to give different functional groups

Question 15

Define stereoisomer

Answer 15

Stereoisomers have the same structural formulae but have a different spatial arrangement of atoms

Question 16

Why do E-Z isomers exist

Answer 16

Due to restricted rotation about the C-C double bond
Due to 2 different groups or atoms attached to both ends of the double bond

Question 17

Cahn Ingold Prelog priority rules

Answer 17

1. Compare the atomic number of the atoms directly attached to each side of the double bond; the atom of higher atomic number is given priority.
2. If the atoms are the same, consider the atoms at distance 2 from the double bond. Make a list of each atom bonded to the one directly attached to the double bond. Arrange list in order of decreasing atomic number. Compare the lists atom by atom; at the earliest difference, the group containing the atom of higher atomic number is given priority