Organic Chemistry

Question 1

Define a hydrocarbon

Answer 1

A compound containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms

Question 2

Define a saturated compound

Answer 2

A compound in which all of the bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds

Question 3

Define an unsaturated compound

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Define a functional group

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Define an homologous series

Answer 5

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 6

Define structural isomers

Answer 6

Compounds having the same molecular formula but different structural formulae

Question 7

What are chain isomers?

Answer 7

Isomers having a different type of chain structure, i.e. branching

Question 8

What are positional isomers?

Answer 8

Isomers with different positions of the same functional group or alkyl substituent on the parent chain

Question 9

What are functional isomers?

Answer 9

Isomers having different functional groups