Module 4: Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Define homologous series
A homologous series is a series of organic compounds that have the same functional group with successive members differing by a CH2 unit
Define an aliphatic hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon with C-atoms joined together in straight or branched chains
Define an alicyclics hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in a ring structure
Define aromatic hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons containing at least one benzene ring
Define functional group
A group of atoms that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of a compound
General formula of an alkane
CnH2n+2
General formula of an alkene
CnH2n
General formula of an alcohol
CnH2n+1OH
What is a displayed formula?
A displayed formula shows the relative positions of all the atoms in a molecule and the bonds between them
What is a structural formula?
A structural formula gives the minimum detail for the arrangement of atoms in a molecule
What is an empirical formula?
An empirical formula shows the simples whole number ratio of elements in a compound
What is a skeletal formula?
A skeletal formula is the briefest way of representing organic molecules. Lines are used to indicate alkyl chains, and every corner represents a carbon atom
What are isomers?
Isomers are organic compounds which have the same molecular formula, but different arrangements of their atoms
What is a molecular formula?
A molecular formula shows the numbers and type of atoms of each element in a compound
Structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae
