Organic Chemistry

Question 1

Define a hydrocarbon.

Answer 1

A hydrocarbon is defined as a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms

Question 2

Define a saturated compound.

Answer 2

A saturated compound is defined as a compound in which all of the bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds.

Question 3

Define an unsaturated compound.

Answer 3

An unsaturated compound is defined as a compound in which there is at least one double and/or triple bond between carbon atoms.

Question 4

Define the term ‘functional group’

Answer 4

A functional group is defined as an atom or group of atoms that form the center of chemical activity in the molecule.

Question 5

Define the term homologous series.

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Define the term ‘structural isomer’

Answer 6

Structional isomers are defined as compounds having the same molecular formula but with different structural formulae.

Question 7

List the five reaction types.

Answer 7

Combustion (oxidation), substitution, addition, elimination and condensation (esterification).

Question 8

Functional group for Alkanes.

Answer 8

Saturated. Single bonds only with Side chains of CH.

Question 9

Functional group of Alkenes.

Answer 9

Unsaturated, at least one double bond between carbons.

Question 10

Functional group of Alkynes

Answer 10

Unsaturated hydrocarbons. At least one triple bond between carbons.

Question 11

Functional group for Haloalkanes.

Answer 11

Saturated hydrocarbons with a Halogen attached (Fluro, Bromo, Iodo, chloro).

Question 12

Functional group for alcohols, (suffix anol), Hydroxyl group.

Answer 12

Saturated hydrocarbons with a Hydroxide attached.

Question 13

Functional group for carboxylic acid (carboxyl group with suffix “oic acid”)

Answer 13

Double bond oxygen and a hydroxide at the end of a chain.

Question 14

Functional group for esters (suffix “oate”) ?

Answer 14

Double bond oxygen at the end of a chain, followed by single bond oxygen and then another carbon chain.

Question 15

Define functional group isomerism.

Answer 15

These molecules have the same molecular formula but different functional groups.

Question 16

Define chain isomerism.

Answer 16

These molecules have the same molecular formula but their chain lengths differ.

Question 17

Define position isomerism.

Answer 17

These molecules have the same molecular formula but the position of the functional group on the main chain is different.

Question 18

Name a explain the three types of reactions of Alkanes.

Answer 18

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)

Question 19

State the two types of reactions for Haloalkanes.

Answer 19

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).

Question 20

List and explain the reactions of alcohols.

Answer 20

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.)

Question 21

List and explain the reactions of Alkenes

Answer 21

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)

Question 22

Explain esterification.

Answer 22

Carboxylic acid + alcohol —-(H and Heat) —> Ester + water

Question 23

List the three structural properties of an organic compound that must be considered before comparing physical properties.

Answer 23

Chain length
Functional groups
Branching