Organic Chemistry: Alkanes Flashcards
What is a hydrocarbon?
A molecule made up of carbon and hydrogen only.
What is a functional group?
A group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions.
What is the empirical formula?
The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
Define homologous series.
A family of compounds that have the same functional group and general formula
But a different C chain length
Define structural formula
The arrangement of the atoms.
Define molecular formula
The actual number of atoms present in each element in a compound
What are saturated hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons with single carbon-carbon bonds only.
What are unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons contain one or more double carbon-carbon bonds only.
Define structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula.
Define stereoisomers
Compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space
Shape of alkane
Bond angle of alkane
Tetrahedral
109.5
Polarity of alkanes
C and H have similar electronegativities = non-polar
Structure and bonding of alkanes
Simple molecular
Weak intermolecular van Der Waals forces
Solubility of alkanes
Not soluble
H bonds in water are stronger than VDWs
What are chain isomers?
Same functional group
Same molecular formula
Varying chain of carbon atoms
What are position isomers?
Same molecular formula
Same functional group
Functional group is attached at a different position