Introduction to Organics Flashcards
What is organic chemistry?
The study of the structure, composition, properties, preparation and reactions of chemical compounds of carbon
What is catenation?
An elements ability to form bonds with atoms of the same element
What is the ability of an element to form bonds with atoms of the same element called?
Catenation
Describe the valency of carbon.
Tetravalency
Why does catenation occur so readily in carbon?
3
C is a relatively small atom
Forms covalent bonds
The C-C bond is strong
What is the molecular formula, what does it express?
It expresses the number and type of atoms in a molecule
What is the structural formula, what does it express?
It indicates how the atoms are arranged
How do you use the full Lewis dot structure?
2
Bonds are indicated by dots
Lone pairs are indicated by dots
Eg.
__..__
H:O:H
__..__
How do you use the Half Lewis dot structure?
2
Bonds are indicated by lines
Lone pairs are indicated by dots
What is a full displayed formula?
2
Half Lewis Structure
Bond angles are displayed
What is a skeletal formula?
4
Lines depict bonds
C and H atoms are not shown
End of each line segment is a C atom
Multiple lines represent multiple bonds
What does a pair of two parallel lines in a skeletal structure indicate?
It indicates a double bond
What does three sets of parallel lines in a skeletal structure indicate?
It indicates a triple bond
What are the benefits of 3D structures?
3
They include information on the bond angles
They show the shape of the molecule
They display the possibility of isomers and stereoisomers
In a 3D structure what is represented by a solid wedge?
Atoms above the plane of the page
In a 3D structure what is represented by a hashed wedge?
Atoms below the plane of the page
What are the disadvantages of 2D structures?
2
It takes time to draw correctly
It’s a poor representation of geometry
What determines the properties and reactions of a molecule?
The type of bond between atoms within the molecule