Organic Chemistry Definitions

Question 0

Carbocation

Answer 0

A very reactive species, typically an intermediate, with a positive carbon atom

Question 1

Addition reaction

Answer 1

A molecule is added across a double bond resulting in a saturated product

Question 2

Electrophile

Answer 2

An electron deficient species that can accept a lone pair of electrons

Question 3

Elimination reaction

Answer 3

A reaction in which the double bond is formed as a small molecule is lost from a saturated compound

Question 4

Free radical

Answer 4

A very reactive species with an unpaired electron

Question 5

Functional group

Answer 5

The atom or group of atoms responsible for the chemical properties of an organic compound

Question 6

Homologous series

Answer 6

A group of compounds that have the same functional group and similar chemical properties and that show a gradation in physical properties

Question 7

Hydrogenation

Answer 7

A reaction in which hydrogen is added to a compound

Question 8

Hydrolysis

Answer 8

A reaction with water which involves the breaking of a O-H bond in water

Question 9

Lone pair

Answer 9

A pair of electrons in the outer occupied energy level not involved in bonding

Question 11

Nucleophile

Answer 11

A species that can donate a lone pair of electrons to an electron deficient carbon atom to form an active covalent bond

Question 12

reflux

Answer 12

a method of prolonged heating without loss by evaporation

Question 13

species

Answer 13

a general term used to denote an atom, ion or molecule

Question 14

structural formula

Answer 14

a formula which shows how the atoms are arranged in a molecule

Question 15

reaction mechanism

Answer 15

the individual steps by which a reaction occurs

Question 16

isomers

Answer 16

substances with the same molecular formula but with different properties

Question 17

structural isomers

Answer 17

molecules with the same molecular formula but with different arrangements of the atom e.. different structural formula

Question 18

examples of structural formulas

Answer 18

functional groups isomers, chain isomers, position isomers, geometrical isomers

Question 19

functional group isomers

Answer 19

isomers that contain different functional groups

Question 20

chain isomers

Answer 20

isomers in which the carbon atoms in the chain are arranged in different patterns

Question 21

position isomers

Answer 21

isomers in which the functional group is attached to different carbon atoms

Question 22

stereoisomers

Answer 22

molecules with the same molecular and structural formula but a different spatial arrangements of atoms