Organic Introduction

Question 1

What is a hydrocarbon

Answer 1

Is a compound consisting of hydrogen carbon only

Question 2

Molecular formula definition

Answer 2

The formula which shows the actual number of each type of atom.

Question 3

Empiracle formula

Answer 3

shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in the compound

Question 4

General formula

Answer 4

Algebraic formula for a homologous series e.g. CnH2n

Question 5

Structual formulan

Answer 5

Shows the minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a
molecule, eg for butane: CH3CH2CH2CH3 or CH3(CH2)2CH3,

Question 6

Displayed formula:

Answer 6

isplayed formula: show all the covalent bonds and atoms present in a molecule

Question 7

Functional group

Answer 7

Is an atom or group of atoms which when present in different molecules
causes them to have similar chemical properties

Question 8

Homologous series

Answer 8

are families of organic compounds with the same functional
group and same general formula.
•They show a gradual change in physical properties (e.g. boiling point).
• Each member differs by CH2 from the last.
• same chemical properties.

Question 9

General rules for naming carbon chains

Answer 9

• count the longest carbon chain and name appropriately
• Find any branched chains and count how many carbons they contain
• Add the appropriate prefix for each branch chain

Question 10

What is homolytic fission

Answer 10

each atom gets one electron from the covalent bond
one headed arrow shows
movement of one electron

When a bond breaks by homolytic fission it forms two free radicals.
Free radicals do not have a charge and are represented by a

Question 11

Heterolytic fission

Answer 11

One atom gets both electrons

two headed arrow shows movement of pair of electrons

Most organic reactions occur via heterolytic fission, producing ions

Question 12

Structual isomers

Answer 12

Same molecular formula different structures (or structural formulae)

Structural isomerism can arise from
•Chain isomerism
•Position isomerism
•Functional group isomerism

Question 13

Chain isomers

Answer 13

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different
structures of the carbon skeleton

Question 14

Position isomers

Answer 14

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures due to
different positions of the same functional group on the same carbon skeleton

Question 15

Functional group isomers

Answer 15

Compounds with the same molecular formula but with
atoms arranged to give different functional groups