Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Define General Formula:
An algebraic formula that can describe any member of a family of compounds. e.g. Cn H2n+1 OH
Define Empirical Formula:
Simplest whole ration number of atoms of elements in a compound (cancel if possible). eg C₄H₁₀O
Define Molecular Formula:
The actual number of atoms of each element in each molecule. eg C₄H₁₀O
Define Structural Formula:
Shows the arrangement of atoms carbon by carbon, with the attached hydrogen and functional groups. e.g. CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH.
Define Skeletal Formula:
Only shows the bonds of carbon atoms, with any functional groups. Hydrogen and Carbon ARE NOT shown. Good for large, complicated structures.
Define Displayed Formula:
Shows how the atoms are arranged, and the bonds between them. e.g. H-C-C-C-C-H
Define Homologous Series:
A set of Organic Compounds with the same functional group and general formula. Consecutive members differ by -CH₂-.
Define Functional Group:
A group of atoms in a molecule responsible for the characteristic reactions of the compound.
For an Alcohol list the: Formula, Prefix and Suffix.
Formula: -OH
Prefix: Hydroxyl-
Suffix: -ol
For an Aldehyde list the: Formula, Prefix and Suffix.
Formula: -CHO (Double bond between C & O)
Prefix: None
Suffix: -al
For an Alkane list the: Formula, Prefix and Suffix.
Formula: C-C
Prefix: None
Suffix: -ane
For an Alkene list the: Formula, Prefix and Suffix.
Formula: C=C
Prefix: None
Suffix: -ene
For a Carboxylic Acid list the: Formula, Prefix and Suffix.
Formula: -COOH (Two branches: -OH on one and =O on other)
Prefix: None
Suffix: -oic acid
For a Haloalkane list the: Formula, Prefix and Suffix.
Formula: -F or -Br or -I etc.
Prefix: Fluro- or Chloro- etc
Suffix: None
For a Keytone list the: Formula, Prefix and Suffix.
Formula: C-CO-C or C-C=O-C (C=O at right angle)
Prefix: None
Suffix: -one
List the order of stem names:
1) Meth-, 2) Eth-, 3) Prop-, 4) But-, 5) Pent-, 6) Hex-, 7) Hept-, 8) Oct-, 9) Non-, 10) Dec-
What do all Organic Compounds feature?
An Aromatic or Aliphatic carbon skeleton.
What is the difference between Aliphatic and Aromatic compounds?
Aliphatic Compounds contain C & H joined together in branched or straight chains or non-aromatic rings.
Aromatic Compounds have a Benzene ring.
Define Alicyclic:
Where a Aliphatic Compound contains a non-aromatic ring.
What is the difference between Saturated and Unsaturated compounds?
- Saturated compounds only have single C-C bonds (like Alkanes).
- Unsaturated compounds have double or triple C=C bonds as well as Aromatic Groups.
What is an Alkyl?
A fragment of a molecule with General Formula CnH2n+1. e.g methyl-
Define Nomenclature:
The naming of Organic Compounds.
Define the IUPAC System:
The standard way of giving any compound a systematic name.
Describe the steps related to naming a molecule:
1) Count the carbons in the longest continuous carbon chain. This gives the stem.
2) The main functional group gives the prefix (or suffix if no prefix) as this shows the Homologous Series.
3) Number the Carbon chain so that the main functional group has the lowest possible number. If there are more than one longest chain, pick the one with the most side chains.
4) Put the number of the Carbon atom the most important functional group is on between the stem and suffix: e.g. pentan-2-ol.
5) Any side chains or less important functional groups are added as prefixes, in alphabetical order after the number of the carbon atom they are attached to.
6) If there are multiple identical side chains, use di-, tri- or tetra- before that part.
