Organic Chemistry

Question 1

Organic molecules

Answer 1

Molecules containing carbon atoms with the exception of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, diamond, graphite, carbonates (or bicarbonates), carbides and cyanides.

Question 2

Hydrocarbons

Answer 2

Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms only.

Question 3

Functional group

Answer 3

An atom or a group of atoms that form the centre of chemical activity in the molecule.

Question 4

Homologous series

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Alkanes

Answer 5

Contain only single bonds and have the general formula C2H2n+2.

Question 6

Alkenes

Answer 6

Contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and have general formula C2H2n.

Question 7

Alkynes

Answer 7

Contain at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and the general formula C2H2n-2.

Question 8

Molecular formula

Answer 8

A chemical formula which shows how many atoms of each element there are within the molecule.

Question 9

Structural formula

Answer 9

A diagram which shows exactly where each atom within the molecule is found

Question 10

Condensed structural formula

Answer 10

Shows how many hydrogen atoms, and or other atoms, are connected to each carbon atom.

Question 11

Catenation

Answer 11

The ability of carbon to bond with itself.

Question 12

A saturated compound

Answer 12

A compound in which all the other carbon atoms are single bonds.

Question 13

An unsaturated compound

Answer 13

A compound in which there is at least one double or/and triple bond between carbon atoms.

Question 14

Combustion reaction

Answer 14

A chemical reaction where a substance burns in oxygen and releases energy and a gas.

Question 15

Esterification

Answer 15

When a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester. The reaction is catalysed by concentrated sulphuric acid.

Question 16

Structural isomers

Answer 16

Compounds with the same molecular formula, but different structural formulae.

Question 17

Van der Waals forces

Answer 17

Weak intermolecular forces. In organic chemistry the weakest type=London forces and the stronger type=dipole-dipole forces.

Question 18

Hydrogen bonding forces

Answer 18

Strong intermolecular forces. Found between molecules. Also found between molecules of alcohols and molecules of carboxylic acids in organic chemistry.