Organic Definitions & Terminology

Question 1

Organic chemistry is the chemistry of

Answer 1

carbon compounds

Question 2

Carbon forms a vast number of compounds because it can form

Answer 2

strong covalent bonds with itself
This enables it to form long chains of carbon atoms, and hence an almost infinite variety of carbon compounds are known

Question 3

A homologous series is a

Answer 3

group of organic compounds that have the same functional group, but each successive member differs by CH2

A series of compounds with the same functional group and similar
chemical properties.

Question 4

Things we can say about a homologous series:

Answer 4

Each member has the same functional group

Each member has the same general formula

Each member has similar chemical properties

Each successive member differs by -CH2 –

Members have gradually changing physical properties, for example, boiling point, melting point and density

Question 5

As a homologous series is ascended, the size of the molecule this has an affect on ……….

Answer 5

physical properties, such as boiling point and density

Question 6

Functional groups determine the

R is any

Answer 6

Functional groups determine the physical and chemical properties of molecules

R is any other atom or group of atoms (except for hydrogen)