Organics - Definitions

Question 1

Catenation

Answer 1

The ability of a chemical element to form a long chain-like structure via a series of covalent bonds

Question 2

Hydrocarbon

Answer 2

A compound containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms

Question 3

Saturated compound

Answer 3

A compound in which all of the bond between carbon atoms are single bonds

Question 4

Unsaturated compound

Answer 4

A compound in which there is at least one double and/or triple bonds between carbon atoms

Question 5

Homologous series

Answer 5

A series of similar compounds which have the same functional group and have the same general formula, in which each member differs from the previous one by a single CH2 unit

Question 6

Functional group

Answer 6

An atom or a group of atoms that form the centre of chemical activity in the molecule

Question 7

Substituent

Answer 7

A substituent is an atom or group of atoms substituted in place of a hydrogen atom on the parent chain of a hydrocarbon

Question 8

Structural isomer

Answer 8

Compounds having the same molecular formula but different structural formulae

Question 9

Positional Isomers

Answer 9

Functional group or substituent have different locations.
Homologous series and parent chain length unchanged

Question 10

Chain Isomers

Answer 10

Parent chain length changes so alkyl substituent vary.
Homologous series unchanged

Question 11

Functional Isomers

Answer 11

Homologous series changes as the functional hroup changes