Organic Basics (11) Flashcards
What is the main element in organic chemistry?
Carbon
What is a hydrocarbon chain?
A compound that contains carbons and hydrogens only
Saturated hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon chain that only has single bonds
Unsaturated hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon chain with carbon-carbon multiple bonds like double bonds for example. This means these bonds can be broken and other hydrogens can be added.
What is a homologous series?
A homologous series is a family of compounds that all have the same functional group, general formula and each successive member differs by -CH2. An example is alkenes.
What is a functional group?
A functional group is a part of an organic molecule that is responsible for its chemical properties e.g. -OH group on alcohols
Aliphatic hydrocarbon
Straight or branched hydrocarbon chain
Aromatic hydrocarbon
Contains a benzene ring
Alicyclic hydrocarbon
Contains a non-aromatic ring
Alkyl groups
Fragments of molecules e.g. CH3
General formula
An algebraic formula that describes a homologous series
Empirical formula
The simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of an element in a compound
Molecular formula
The actual number of atoms of each element in a compound
Structural formula
Shows arrangements of each carbon e.g. CH3CH2CH3
Skeletal formula
Shows functional groups only and a hydrocarbon skeleton
Displayed formula
Shows how all atoms are arranged
What is the functional group and suffix of alkanes?
C-C ends in -ane