Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What is a functional group?
The functional group of an organic compound is the atom or group of atoms that gives that compound its characteristic properties.
What is an homologous series?
A homologous series is a series of compounds that have the same functional group.
What is a saturated compound?
A saturated compound is one that contains no C=C bonds. No more elements can fit onto the carbon atoms.
What is an unsaturated compound?
An unsaturated compound is one that contains C=C bonds. More elements can fit onto the carbon atoms.
What are the compounds studies as a homologous series?
Alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids
Naming organic compounds rules:
- Find the longest continuous carbon chain.
- Number the carbon atoms in the longest chain. If there is a branch coming off the straight chain,
you must start numbering from the end nearest that branch. - If you have more than one branch or group that is the same on the molecule, they are incorporated into the name as di, tri etc.
- When incorporating the branch names, keep them in alphabetical order, ie, ethyl comes before
methyl.
What is the general formal of alkanes?
CnH2n+2
What is the general formula of alkenes?
CnH2n
Definition of displayed formula
Where all the atoms and the bonds that are between them are shown (drawing).
What is a skeletal formula?
The carbon and hydrogen atoms will not be visible, only the binds between them and any functional groups will be seen.
What is a shortened formula?
You have to show the way the atoms are bonded, but don’t have to include
the bonds.
What is an electrophile?
A electrophile is an ion or molecule that attacks an area of high electron density and so can form new covalent bonds with a negatively charged atom. They are usually delta+ and are know as electron pair acceptors.
What is an nucleophile?
A nucleophile is an ion or molecule that attacks an area that is electron deficient and can form a new covalent bond with a positively charged electron. They are usually delta- or has a lone pair of electrons and so is known as an electron pair donor.
What is a radical?
A reactive particle with an unpaired electron Eg. The halogens.
What is chain isomerism?
This occurs when the carbon chain
within the molecules is arranged
differently. This is usually because one
isomer has branches instead of a
straight chain.
What is positional isomerism?
The functional group can appear in different positions on the molecule, known as functional group isomerism.
What is functional group isomerism?
Compounds with the
same molecular formula,
but different functional
groups.
What is E/Z isomerism?
A type of isomerism occurs in alkenes because there is restricted rotation surrounding the double bond.
What is the difference between a E isomer and a Z isomer?
If they are on the same side of the double bond, then you have the Z isomer, but if they’re on opposite sides, you have the E isomer.
What are the features in boiling point of isomers
If an isomer has branching, then this reduces the boiling temperatures as the chains cannot approach each other closely enough in order for them to experience Van der Waals forces.
What is a reflux reaction?
The continuous process of evaporation and condensation in order to ensure that volatile reactants stay in the reaction vessel so that they can react.
What is distillation?
When reactants are heated and separated dependant on their boiling points. The volatile product formed is gathered in a distillation flask at the end.
