Organic Definitions

Question 1

Define molecular formula

Answer 1

The actual number of atoms of each element present in a molecule

Question 2

Define general formula

Answer 2

The simplest algebraic formula of each member in a homologous series

Question 3

define empirical formula

Answer 3

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound

Question 4

Define structural formula

Answer 4

Shows the arrangement of atoms in a compound
Uses smallest amount of detail possible

Question 5

Define displayed formula

Answer 5

Shows the arrangement of atoms and the bonds between them

Question 6

Define aliphatic

Answer 6

Carbon atoms arranged in straight, branched or unbranched chains

Question 7

Define alicyclic

Answer 7

Carbon atoms arranged in ring structures, with or without branches

Question 8

Define aromatic

Answer 8

Carbon atoms found in a benzene (C6H6) ring

Question 9

Define functional group

Answer 9

An atom or group of atoms responsible for the chemical properties of a compound

Question 10

define hydrocarbon

Answer 10

A compound made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms

Question 11

Define homologous series

Answer 11

A family of compounds which have similar chemical properties, but each successive member differs by CH2 each time
- same general formula and functional group, trend in physical properties

Question 12

Define saturated

Answer 12

Has only single carbon- carbon bonds

Question 13

Define unsaturated

Answer 13

Has double carbon-carbon bonds

Question 14

Define structural isomer

Answer 14

Compounds with the same molecular formulae but different structural formulae

Question 15

define position isomer

Answer 15

Compounds with same molecular formulae and same functional group but functional group is in a different position

Question 16

Define functional group isomer

Answer 16

Compounds with same molecular formulae but different functional groups

Question 17

Define homolytic fission

Answer 17

Covalent bond is broken evenly and each atom gets one unpaired electron

Question 18

Define heterolytic fission

Answer 18

Covalent bond is broken unevenly and one atom gets both of the electrons from the shared pair and becomes a negative ion, the other atom gets no electrons and becomes a positive ion

Question 19

Define radical

Answer 19

An atom or group of atoms with a single, unpaired electron

Question 20

Define addition reaction

Answer 20

2 compounds react to form a product
Unsaturated compound goes to a saturated compound
Double bond breaks and an atom/ group of atoms is added to the compound

Question 21

Define substitution reaction

Answer 21

An atom/ group of atoms in a compound is replaced by an atom/ group of atoms

Question 22

Define elimination reaction

Answer 22

A small molecule is removed from a larger molecule
One reactant molecule forms two products
Uses acid catalyst

Question 23

Define reaction mechanism

Answer 23

The sequence of steps in which a reaction occurs