Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Define a hydrocarbon.
A hydrocarbon is defined as a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms
Define a saturated compound.
A saturated compound is defined as a compound in which all of the bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds.
Define an unsaturated compound.
An unsaturated compound is defined as a compound in which there is at least one double and/or triple bond between carbon atoms.
Define the term ‘functional group’
A functional group is defined as an atom or group of atoms that form the center of chemical activity in the molecule.
Define the term homologous series.
An homologous series is defined as a series of similar compounds which have the same functional group have the same general formula, in which members differ from the previous by a single CH2 unit.
Define the term ‘structural isomer’
Structional isomers are defined as compounds having the same molecular formula but with different structural formulae.
List the five reaction types.
Combustion (oxidation), substitution, addition, elimination and condensation (esterification).
Functional group for Alkanes.
Saturated. Single bonds only with Side chains of CH.
Functional group of Alkenes.
Unsaturated, at least one double bond between carbons.
Functional group of Alkynes
Unsaturated hydrocarbons. At least one triple bond between carbons.
Functional group for Haloalkanes.
Saturated hydrocarbons with a Halogen attached (Fluro, Bromo, Iodo, chloro).
Functional group for alcohols, (suffix anol), Hydroxyl group.
Saturated hydrocarbons with a Hydroxide attached.
Functional group for carboxylic acid (carboxyl group with suffix “oic acid”)
Double bond oxygen and a hydroxide at the end of a chain.
Functional group for esters (suffix “oate”) ?
Double bond oxygen at the end of a chain, followed by single bond oxygen and then another carbon chain.
Define functional group isomerism.
These molecules have the same molecular formula but different functional groups.
Define chain isomerism.
These molecules have the same molecular formula but their chain lengths differ.
Define position isomerism.
These molecules have the same molecular formula but the position of the functional group on the main chain is different.
Name a explain the three types of reactions of Alkanes.
Combustion(exothermic). Alkane + excess oxygen —-> water and carbon dioxide.
Substitution reactions are where when atom or molecular fragment is replaced in a molecule by another. Takes place in the presence of UV light.
An Elimination reaction is one where atoms or molecular fragments are removed from adjacent carbon atoms on a molecule leaving a double bond with nothing else having been added. (Cracking, done using either heat or a catalyst turns big alkanes into alkene and something)
State the two types of reactions for Haloalkanes.
Substitution ( halogen gets substituted by attacking species such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide)
Elimination ( solvent is an alcohol and a hydroxide is present) the halogen gets removed and a double bond carbon is formed, called dehydrohalogenation).
List and explain the reactions of alcohols.
Combustion (alcohol burns in oxygen to form Carbon dioxide and water).
Elimination ( water is eliminated from the alcohol, known as dehydration reaction and requires a concentrated acid catalyst.)
List and explain the reactions of Alkenes
Combustion (alkene in oxygen to water and carbon dioxide)
Addition ( addition reaction is defined as one where a double bond opens up and new molecular fragments are added to the molecule at both ends of the double bond without anything being removed)
Explain esterification.
Carboxylic acid + alcohol —-(H and Heat) —> Ester + water
List the three structural properties of an organic compound that must be considered before comparing physical properties.
Chain length
Functional groups
Branching
