Organic chemistry Flashcards
What is organic chemistry?
The chemistry of molecules based on carbon
Give 3 reasons why carbon forms a large number of compounds
1) Each carbon atom can form 4 covalent bonds to other atoms
2) It can form single, double, and triple bonds
3) Carbon atoms can bond to other carbon atoms to form long chains
What does modern organic chemistry study?
The structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds
What is a hydrocarbon?
A compound containing carbon and hydrogen only
Give 2 examples of hydrocarbons
Methane and but-2-ene
What are the 2 types of hydrocarbons?
Saturated and unsaturated
What is a saturated hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon containing only single-bonded carbon atoms
What is an unsaturated hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon that contains multiple carbon-carbon bonds (e.g. double and triple)
What is a homologous series?
A family of compounds with similar chemical properties whose successive members differ by the addition of a CH2 group
What is the simplest homologous series and why?
Alkanes because they contain single carbon-carbon bonds
Give the first 3 members of the alkanes
1) Methane - CH4
2) Ethane - C2H6
3) Propane - C3H8
What is a functional group?
The part of the organic molecule that is largely responsible for the molecule’s chemical properties
What other elements can carbon bond to in a functional group?
Oxygen, nitrogen, and the halogens
List the 7 functional groups
Alkanes / C-C
Alkenes / C=C
Alcohol (hydroxyl) / OH
Halo alkenes / Br, Cl, F, I
Aldehydes / H-C=O bonds
Ketones / C=O
Carboxylic acids / HO-C=O
