Organic 1 Flashcards
molecular formula
A molecular formula gives the atoms of each element present in one molecule of a compound. (eg. ethanoic acid would be C2H4O2)
displayed formula
A displayed formula shows every atom and every bond in the molecule. (bonds shown as lines)
structural formula
A structural formula shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing all the bonds (eg. CH3CHOHCH3)
skeletal formula
A skeletal formula draws no carbons, but shows how they are arranged. Straight lines show bonds, and the points or ends of the lines show carbon atoms.
functional group
A functional group is a group of atoms within a molecule that has specific chemical properties/reactions.
homologous series
Homologous series are compounds with the same functional group that differ in formula only by CH2. They share similar chemical properties and a gradual trend in physical properties with chain length.
isomers
Isomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula but whose atoms are arranged differently.
structural isomers
Structural isomers have the same molecular formulae but different structural formulae.
Positional isomers
Positional isomers have the same functional group attached to the main chain at different points.
Functional group isomers
Functional group isomers have different functional groups.
Chain isomers
Chain isomers have a different arrangement of the hydrocarbon chain (eg. branching or straight).
Stereoisomers
Stereoisomers have the same structural formulae but different arrangement of atoms in space. Sometimes also called geometric isomers.
E-Z isomers
E-Z isomers have different arrangement of substituents either side of a C-C double bond.
Optical isomers
Optical isomers are pairs of molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images.
An electrophile
An electrophile is a species attracted to areas of high electron density, it is a lone pair acceptor.
A nucleophile
A nucleophile is a species that is a lone pair donor, it is attracted to areas of low electron density.
Addition reaction
Addition reactions involve adding atoms to a larger molecule (by breaking a double bond).
Elimination reaction
Elimination reactions involve removing atoms from a larger molecule (and forming a double bond).
Substitution reaction
Substitution reactions involve swapping one atom or group in a molecule for another.
Oxidation reaction
Oxidation reactions involve adding oxygen to a molecule.
Reduction reaction
Reduction reactions involve removing oxygen from and/or adding hydrogen to a molecule.
Hydrolysis reaction
Hydrolysis reactions involve splitting water, or splitting another molecule using water
polymerisation reaction
Polymerisation reactions involve joining many small molecules (monomers) together.
