organic definitions

Question 1

homologous series

Answer 1

a series of organic compounds having the same functional group but with each successive member differing by CH2

Question 2

functional group

Answer 2

a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound

Question 3

structural isomer

Answer 3

compounds with the same molecular
formula but different structural formulae

Question 4

stereoisomers

Answer 4

compounds with the same structural formula but with a different arrangement in space

Question 5

E/Z isomerism

Answer 5

an example of stereoisomerism, in terms of restricted rotation about a double bond and the requirement for two different groups to be attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group

Question 6

cis–trans isomerism

Answer 6

a special case
of E/Z isomerism in which two of the substituent groups attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group are the same

Question 7

electrophile

Answer 7

electron pair acceptor

Question 8

nucleophile

Answer 8

electron pair donor

Question 9

optical isomerism

Answer 9

an example of stereoisomerism, in terms of non- superimposable mirror images about a chiral centre