Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Organic molecules
Molecules containing carbon atoms with the exception of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, diamond, graphite, carbonates (or bicarbonates), carbides and cyanides.
Hydrocarbons
Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms only.
A functional group
An atom or a group of atoms that form the centre of chemical activity in the molecule.
A homologous series
A series of similar compounds which have the same functional group and have the same general formula in which each member differs from the previous one by a single CH2 unit.
Alkanes
Contain only single bonds and have the general formula CnH2n + 2.
Alkenes
Contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and have the general formula CnH2n.
Alkynes
Contain at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and have the general formula CnH2n -2.
Molecular formula
A chemical formula which shows how many atoms of each element there are within the molecule. e.g. C4H10.
Structure formula
A diagram which shows exactly where each atom within the molecule is found.
Condensed structural formula
Shows how many hydrogen atoms, and or other atoms, are connected to each carbon atom.
Catenation
The ability of carbon to bond with itself.
A saturated compound
A compound in which all of the bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds.
An unsaturated compound
A compound in which there is at least one double and/or triple bond between carbon atoms.
Combustion reaction
A chemical reaction where a substance burns in oxygen and releases energy and a gas.
Esterification reactions
When a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester. The reaction is catalysed by concentrated sulphuric acid.
