Intro to Organic Chemistry

Question 1

Define Organic Chemistry.

Answer 1

The study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions and preparation of carbon-containing compounds.

Question 2

What are the 4 ways to show a compound (Formulas)

Answer 2

Molecular formula
Structural formula
Displayed formula
Skeletal formula

Question 3

What are the 2 types of fission?

Answer 3

Homolytic fission - 1 electron transferred - single headed arrow
Heterolytic fission - both electrons transferred - double-headed arrow

NB: Always include dipoles and lone pairs

Question 4

What are the 2 types of isomers? Describe them.

Answer 4

Structural isomers - Same molecular formula but different structural arrangement of atoms
Stereoisomers - Same molecular formula but different arrangement of atoms in space

Question 5

Name the 3 types of structural isomers and describe them.

Answer 5

Chain isomers - Changing the length of the carbon chain by adding branched alkyl groups
Positional isomers - Changing the position of the functional group
Functional isomers - Molecular formula the same but functional group different

Question 6

What are the 2 types of stereoisomers?

Answer 6

Geometric isomers (Cis-Trans isomers)
Optical isomers (enantiomers)

Question 7

Describe optical isomers.

Answer 7

Non-superimposable mirror images of each other

Question 8

Define chiral carbon.

Answer 8

Carbon atom with 4 different atoms / groups of atoms attached
Cannot be double bonds