intro to organic

Question 1

what is the general formula?

Answer 1

algebraic formula that can be applied to chemicals in the same ‘family’ e.g. CnH2n for alkenes

Question 2

what is the molecular formula?

Answer 2

actual number of atoms in a molecule or compound

Question 3

what is the empirical formula?

Answer 3

the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a compound

Question 4

what is the structural formula?

Answer 4

arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing all the bonds e.g. CH3CH2CH2CH2OH

Question 5

what is the skeletal formula?

Answer 5

shows bonds of the carbon skeleton only- hydrogen and carbon atoms are not shown but functional groups are

Question 6

what is the displayed formula?

Answer 6

shows the arrangement of atoms showing all the bonds and atoms in the molecule

Question 7

what is a homologous series?

Answer 7

group of compounds that have the same functional group and general formula, but a different carbon chain length

Question 8

what are the 3 types of hydrocarbons?

Answer 8

-aliphatic hydrocarbons( containing straight or branched chains)
-alicyclic hydrocarbons (containing rings)
-aromatic hydrocarbons (containing benzene rings)

Question 9

what are the rules for straight chain alkanes?

Answer 9

-each carbon is bound to its neighbours and two hydrogens
-exceptions are the two terminal carbon nuclei which are bound to one carbon and three hydrogens

Question 10

what are the rules for straight chain alkenes?

Answer 10

-at least one C to C double bond
-each carbon in a double bond can only be bound to 2 neighbours
-one neighbour must be hydrogen

Question 11

what are the rules for cycloalkanes?

Answer 11

-two less hydrogens than the open chain alkanes
-general formula CnH2n
-named according to largest ring

Question 12

what are the rules for cycloalkenes? (in addition to the rules of cycloalkanes)

Answer 12

-General formula CnH2n-2