Introduction to organic chemistry Flashcards
What is organic chemistry?
Organic chemistry is the study of covalent compounds primarily made of carbon, often including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and halogens.
What is a functional group in organic chemistry?
A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.
What is a homologous series?
A homologous series is a family of compounds with the same functional group, similar chemical properties, and each member differing by a CH₂ unit.
What is the general formula of alkanes?
CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
Define isomerism.
Isomerism occurs when compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural or spatial arrangements of atoms
What is the difference between structural isomers and stereoisomers?
Structural isomers differ in the arrangement of atoms in their structure, while stereoisomers have the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.
What is the empirical formula?
The empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
What is the molecular formula?
The molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
What is free radical substitution?
Free radical substitution is a reaction mechanism where a hydrogen atom in an alkane is replaced by a halogen atom, initiated by UV light.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated organic compounds?
Saturated compounds have only single bonds between carbon atoms (e.g., alkanes),
Unsaturated compounds contain double or triple bonds (e.g., alkenes, alkynes).
What is an electrophile?
a molecule / substance that acts as an electron pair acceptor
What is a nucleophile?
a molecule / substance that donates electrons
Free Radical
an uncharged molecule with an unpaired electron
Homolytic fission
splitting of a covalent bond, each atom retains 1 electron from the bonding pair
Heterolytic Fission
splitting of a covalent bond, one atom retains both electrons from the bonding pair
Initiation
an initial chemical reaction which triggers further reactions
Propagation
a secondary reaction where there is no net gain/loss of free radicals
Termination
- final step in chain reaction
- reactive intermediate becomes inactive
Addition
a reaction where two or more molecules reach to form a larger molecules
Substitution
a reaction where an atom or group is replaced by another atom or group
Elimination
a reaction where two substituents are removed from a molecule by a mechanism in 1-2 steps
Cis isomer
both of the highest priority groups are on the same side, above or below C=C bond
Trans isomer
highest priority groups positioned diagonally from each other on opposite sides of the C=C
Chiral centre
a carbon atom with four different groups bonded to it
- a compound can have more than one chiral centre
- displays optical isomerism
Molecular formula
actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule
Structural formula
shows the structure carbon by carbon with hydrogens and functional groups attached
Displayed formula
shows how all the atoms are arranged and every bond between them
Skeletal formula
- only shows the bonds on carbon skeleton
- C, H atoms not shown
- functional groups shown
