Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What is a functional group?
A group of atoms responsible for the characteristics of a compound eg -OH in alcohols.
What is a homologous series?
A series of organic compounds having the same functional group but with each successive member differing by CH2
What is a strucural isomer?
Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
Aliphatic definition?
Carbon atoms are join to eachother in unbranched or branched chains.
Alicyclic definition?
Carbon atoms are joined to eachother in a ring structure e.g cyclohexane
Aromatic definition?
Some or all of the carbon atoms are present in a benzene ring.
What is homolytic fission?
Where a covalent bond breaks and each bonded atom receives one electron from the bonded pair formind radicals.
What is a radical?
A radical is a species with an unpaired electron.
What is heterolytic fission?
When a covalent bond breaks and one bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonding pair.
What is a substitution reaction?
Where an atom or group of atoms replaces another atom or groups of atoms.
What is an addition reaction?
Where two molecules react and join together to make one molecule and no other products.
What is an elimination reaction?
When a small molecule is removed from a large molecule.
General formula for alkanes?
CnH2n+2
Why do alkanes boiling points decrease as they become more branched?
- Branching produces less surface area of contact between molecules
- London forces become weaker
- Less energy is needed to overcome these forces.
Why are alkanes generally unreactive?
- Sigma bonds have very little polarity so do not attract or react with many reagents
- Sigma bonds have a high bond enthalpy
