Module 4 - Definitions Flashcards
What is a free radical?
A species with an unpaired electron.
What is a nucleophile?
A donator of a lone pair of electrons.
What is a electrophile?
An acceptor of a lone pair of electrons
What is homolytic fission?
When a covalent bond breaks and one electron goes
to each atom (forming free radicals).
What is heterolytic fission?
When a covalent bond breaks and both electrons go
to one atom (forming ions).
What is oxidation?
Loss of electrons, gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.
What is reduction?
Gain of electrons, loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen
What is a homologous series?
A family of organic compounds containing the same functional group with successive members differing by -CH2.
What is a skeletal formula?
The simplified organic formula, shown by removing hydrogen atoms from alkyl chains, leaving the carbon skeleton and the functional groups.
What is structural formula?
The minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
What are structural isomers?
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
What is E/Z isomerism?
A type of stereoisomerism caused by the restricted rotation of π bonds. Two different groups must be attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group.
What are stereoisomers?
Compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.
What is a functional group?
A group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound.
What is an alkene?
An organic compound containing at least one c=c double bond.
