Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Define the term functional groups
The part of the molecule that largely dictates how it reacts.
Define the term hydrocarbon
A compound made up of C and H atoms only
What is an aliphatic compound?
An aliphatic compound is straight or branched-chain and also includes cyclic organic compounds that do not contain a benzene ring
Define the term homologous series.
A group of organic compounds that have the same functional group, the same general formula and the same chemical properties.
What is the meaning of the term saturated….in “Saturated hydrocarbons?”
Hydrocarbons which contain single bonds only
What is the meaning of the term unsaturated….in “unsaturated hydrocarbons?”
Hydrocarbons which contain carbon-carbon doubles or triple bonds
What is a free radical?
A free radical is a species with one (or more than one) unpaired electrons.
What is homolytic fission
Breaking a bond in such a way that each atom takes an electron from the bond to form two radicals.
What is heterolytic fission
Breaking a covalent bond in such a way that the more electronegative atom takes both the electrons from the bond to form a negative ion and leaving behind a positive ion
What happens in a free radical reaction?
- Initiation is the first step
Breaking a covalent bond using energy from UV light from the sun to form two free radicals - The propagation step is second
The formed radical can attack reactant molecules to form two free radicals - The termination step
Two free radicals can react together to form a product molecule.
What is a nucleophile
An electron-rich species that can donate a pair of electrons
What is an electrophile
An electron-deficient species that can accept a pair of electrons
What is a free radical substitution
A reaction in which halogen atoms substitute for hydrogen atoms in alkanes
It invokes the initiation, propagation and termination steps
What is an electrophilic addition
A reaction in which an electron rich region in a molecule is attacked by an electrophile followed by the addition of a small molecule to give one product only
What is a nucleophilic substitution reaction
A reaction in which an electron-rich nucleophile displaces a halogen atom
