Module 4// Core Organic Chemistry Flashcards
homologous series
A series of organic compounds that have the same functional group w successive members differing by CH2
Functional group
A group of atoms that’s responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of a compound
Hydrocarbons
Compounds containing hydrogen and carbon atoms only
Name the 3 types of hydrocarbons
Aliphatic
Alicyclic
Aromatic
Aliphatic hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons where the C atoms r joined together in STRAIGHT (unbranched) or BRANCHED chains
Alicyclic hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons in which the C atoms r joined together in a RING structure but r NOT AROMATIC
Aromatic hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons where there’s at least one benzene ring in the structure
What is the general formula of Alkyl GROUPS
C(n) H(2n+1)
What is the formula of the propyl group
C3H7
How are alkyl groups formed
When u remove 1 hydrogen atom from an alkane, an alkyl group is formed
What is meant by a SATURATED compound?
Saturated compounds have only single bonds
Displayed formula
Displayed formula shows the relative positions of atoms + the bonds between them
General formula
The simplest algebraic formula for a homologous series
Structural formula
Provides the minimum detail for the arrangement of atoms in a molecule
Empirical formula
Shows the smallest whole-number ratio of atoms of elements in a compound
Structural isomers
Are compounds w the same molecular formula but different structural formula
Stereoisomers
Stereoisomers r organic compounds w the same molecular + structural formula but having different arrangements of atoms in space
E/Z isomerism
A type of stereoisomerism caused by restricted rotation around the double bond
NB!!2 different groups r attached to both carbon atoms of the C=C double bond!!!
Cis-trans isomerism
A type of E/Z isomerism where the 2 groups attached to both carbon atoms of the C=C double bond r the same
define the term reaction mechanism
a series of steps that shows how a reaction takes place
addition polymerisation
Formation of a very long molecular chain, by repeated addition reactions of many unsaturated alkene molecules (monomers)
Addition reaction
A reaction in which a reactant is added to an unsaturated molecule to make a one saturated molecule
As the chain length of alkanes increases, so do their boiling points, why is this?
Because as the alkane chain length increases there are greater (London forces) induced dipole dipole interactions
Branching is often used to make a better fuel, why is this?
Because the more branching = lower boiling point/ burns better
The more branched a compound is the fewer SA interactions there are/ less points along a chain
