Introduction to Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Define hydrocarbon
An organic compound consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms only
Properties of compounds in a homologous series
1) Same general formula
2) Same functional group; hence similar chemical reactivity
3) Gradual change in physical properties (higher mpt/bpt, viscosity. decrease in solubility in water and flammability)
Saturated
C single bond C
Unsaturated
C double bond C
Homolytic fission
Breaking of a covalent bond so that each atom takes on of the electrons
Heterolytic fission
Breaking of a covalent bond so that one atom takes both electrons
Free radical
An uncharged molecule having an unpaired electron
Nucleophile
A molecule or substance that has a tendency to donate electrons
Electrophile
An electron deficient species that seeks electrons
Types of structural isomers
1) Chain isomers
2) Positional isomers
3) Functional group isomers
Types of stereoisomers
1) Geometrical (cis-trans) isomers
2) Optical isomers
Structural isomers
They have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms in the molecules
Streoisomers
They have the same molecular and structural formulae but different ‘spacial’ arrangements of atoms or groups of atoms
Physical properties of chain isomers
Branched molecules have lower mpt/bpt since in straight chain isomers, IMF are stronger due to large surface area of contact
Optical isomers
Optical isomers are non superimposable mirror images of each other. Presence of chiral carbon on molecule
