MODULE 4: Basic Concepts

Question 1

Define a homologous series

Answer 1

A series of compounds with similar chemical properties whose successive members differ by CH₂

Question 2

What is a functional group?

Answer 2

A group of atoms that is largely responsible for a compounds chemical and physical properties

Question 3

What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 3

Straight hydrocarbon chain

Question 4

What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?

Answer 4

Hydrocarbon chains in ring structures

Question 5

What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 5

Hydrocarbons involving benzene structure

Question 6

What is a saturated hydrocarbon?

Answer 6

A hydrocarbon that cannot make anymore bonds (single carbon - carbons bonds only)

Question 7

What is an unsaturated hydrocarbon?

Answer 7

A hydrocarbon that can make more bonds (double carbon = carbon bonds)

Question 8

What is the general formula for an alkane?

Answer 8

C n H 2n+2

Question 9

What is the general formula for an alkene?

Answer 9

C n H 2n

Question 10

What is the formula for alkyl groups?

Answer 10

C n H 2n+1

Question 11

What is the general formula for cycloalkanes?

Answer 11

C n H 2n

Question 12

What are alkynes?

Answer 12

Triple bond between carbon atoms

Question 13

What are haloalkanes?

Answer 13

Hydrocarbons with a halogen as a functional group (chlorine, flourine, bromine)

Question 14

What are aldehydes?

Answer 14

A hydrocarbon with a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom and single bonded to a hydrogen atom, suffix of -al (ethanal)

Question 15

What are ketones?

Answer 15

A hydrocarbon where a carbon is double bonded to an oxygen atom, suffix of -one (ethanone)

Question 16

What are carboxylic acids?

Answer 16

A hydrocarbon where an carbon is double bonded to an oxygen atom and single bonded to an -OH group, suffix of -oic acid (ethanoic acid)

Question 17

What is an structural isomer?

Answer 17

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas

Question 18

Define homolytic fission

Answer 18

When a covalent bond is broken, each atom receives one electron from the bond and becomes a radical

Question 19

What is a radical?

Answer 19

An atom/groups of atoms with an unpaired electron

Question 20

Define heterolytic fission

Answer 20

When a covalent bond breaks, one atom takes both of the electrons from the bond, forming a positive and negative electron

Question 21

What are some types of reaction?

Answer 21

Addition, elimination and substitution

Question 22

What is an addition reaction?

Answer 22

An atom/molecule is added to a compound

Question 23

What is a substitution reaction?

Answer 23

An atom/group of atoms is replaced by another atom/group of atoms in a compound

Question 24

What is an elimination reaction?

Answer 24

Removal of a smaller molecule from a larger one